School superintendent to retire

By Scott Nicholson
nicholson@wataugademocrat.com

Watauga County schools superintendent Bobbie Short is planning to retire at the end of the school year.

Short said she is retiring because she will have 35 years in her educational career and wants to spend more time with her husband and daughter.

This is her fifth year as superintendent, replacing Dick Jones, who had also served five years.

“I feel good about my years here and the kinds of things we have accomplished,” she said. “It’s sad to leave my wonderful school family, but this will give me more time with my family. My husband is retired.”

Short noted that though she was pleased with the progress of the school system, any positive results are the results of team efforts. She also felt the process for the new high school was well under way and will regret not seeing it to completion, thanks to the dedication of the school system and the support of the community.

“It’s very sad that I won’t be seeing the building take shape and making major accomplishments,” Short said. “I do hope I’ll be invited back for the grand opening.”

Short said she’d already told the school board about her decision. She was hired as superintendent in 2002.

She had previously served as assistant superintendent in Buncombe County, as well principal, teacher and other administrative roles.