RIPLEY — Jackson County Schools Superintendent Blaine Hess has announced his retirement.

Hess resigned Feb. 3 at the Jackson County Schools Board of Education meeting and the board approved it, effective July 1.

Hess said, “I’m looking forward to my retirement. I have been in education for 39 years, and the last 16 as superintendent. That’s allowing me to have more family time and do a little bit of traveling.

“My wife and I plan on traveling out west.” Hess said. “Being a school superintendent doesn’t allow much time for an extended vacation. It will give us more time for extended travel.”

Hess said they plan on visiting the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and Mt. Rushmore.

But before that happens, he has to help the new superintendent get ready to take over. Hess said getting the new superintendent ready with a smooth transition is a high priority.

His district is already planning for the new school year, and working to finish this school year.

About what accomplishments he is proud of during his tenure as superintendent, Hess said, “We’re very proud of improvements in our academic achievement over the past 16 years.”

Hess said the district improved significantly in math and English language arts to the point that they are fourth in the state in math and sixth in English language arts.

Another thing Hess said he was proud of was the construction of two new schools and renovations to others.

“We had a good school system but had not built any new school buildings in about a 40-year period,” Hess said. “While our academic standing was good, we were proud to advance in the 16 years of my time.”

Hess also credited the staff for most of those improvements.

“I’ll give the staff credit for outstanding work toward improving student outcomes,” Hess said. “I’ll miss our staff and students.

“The reason people get into the education business is to help students. And I appreciate their work and will miss my interaction with them,” Hess said.

School board President Jim Frazier said, “I have truly been very fortunate to serve alongside Mr. Hess as a school administrator, and now, as our school board president. His departure will most definitely be felt throughout our entire school system.”

Frazier also said, “During his tenure as our school superintendent, Mr. Hess, has been selected as the West Virginia Superintendent of the Year twice. He has served as President of the West Virginia Association of School Administrators, twice, along with holding other offices in this association.

“I have mixed emotions right now,” Frazier said. “I am sad that Mr. Hess is retiring as our superintendent, but I am extremely happy for him as he begins a new adventure in his life’s journey.”

Frazier added, “As our Board President, I feel selecting the new Superintendent of Schools for our Jackson County School system will be the most important task we will undertake. The person we select will be given the monumental responsibility to be our guided visionary towards the future for our entire school system.”

Friday was the deadline for applicants for the next Jackson County Schools superintendent, with the State of West Virginia setting the requirements for the position. One must have administrative certification, endorsement as a superintendent by the West Virginia Department of Education, a resume and references.

Applicants also need a minimum of five years of school administrative experience.

After the posting period ends, the school board, during its next regular session on Thursday, Feb. 17, will review all the applications received. The board will then select the candidates who will take part in the interview process. The selected candidates will then be contacted by the board to arrange individual interview times.

The board hopes to select the new Superintendent of Schools for the Jackson County School system sometime in the month of March.

Larry Launstein Jr. can be reached at llaunstein@newsandsentinel.com