Wilsons to retire from city schools
BONNIE SHORTT / Staff Writer

Story Photo

SAM WILSON
NORTON "? They've been an integral part of the city school system for decades, and now they're saying goodbye "? but only for a little while.

John I. Burton High School Vice Principal Stan Wilson plans to retire from his duties June 30.

However, Wilson, known almost universally to Norton residents as "Coach,"? will resume his duties as head basketball coach and athletic director on a part time basis July 30.

Stan has spent the last 40 years working at the high school.

Stan's wife Linda, the executive assistant for the school board for 19 years, also plans to retire June 30. She will continue to serve that office part time for awhile.

In it together

Stan and Linda married in 1971, Linda said in a phone interview Tuesday.

They have always been very close and had recently started talking about retirement, she said.

Linda told Stan they would retire together "? but only when he was ready, she said.

"It's really an exciting time,"? Linda said.

Linda said she and her husband look forward to being able to visit their two daughters and two grandsons in Tennessee.

Linda would also like to get a little traveling in, she said. But they do not plan on ever moving from Norton.

Stan noted his schedule will be slightly more hectic. He plans to be around in July when the high school gymnasium floor is redone, he said.

Stan

Although Stan will be back at the school in the fall, he will be considered a part time employee, he said.

It's a way to work toward a full time retirement, which he plans to do someday, Stan said.

Until then, he believes he still has enough steam to keep on going, he said.

Stan noted his gratitude toward the school board for allowing him to retire as vice-principal but continue on in the sports department.

If he had gone into full retirement, he would have missed coaching and being around the students, Stan said.

"Coaching has been my life,"? he said. He noted he has been playing ball or coaching since he was in the sixth grade.

Stan spoke excitedly about the time he would be logging as athletic director. He is fully prepared to spend many nights supervising the games and working out schedules and budgets.

There is a lot of work to be done, he said.

Since the school board accepted his wish to retire Monday night, people have congratulated him in a variety of ways, he said.

Some students have joked about his retirement while others have taken it more seriously, and teachers have offered congratulations to him, he said.