Lucas retiring, Thorsland in his place

A breaking story at mid-morning: Oconee School District announces the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Mike Lucas, a nine-year administrator with the county schools. In his place as interim superintendent will be Dr. Michael Thorsland, assistant superintendent of operations. Lucas’s retirement date is Friday, May 2.  The news has been greeted with surprise.  Lucas shared what he told his staff:  “One of my favorite quotes is from baseball great Willie Stargell.  He played his entire career, an impressive twenty years, with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  He stated, ‘I always said that when it was time to retire, I would know it, and I would just tip my hat to the crowds.’  Well, I’ve had a few more years than Willie Stargell in my career.  I’m now in my 36th ‘season’ as an educator in South Carolina.  I feel I know when it’s time to tip my hat to the crowds, and I’ve asked the School District of Oconee County Board of Trustees to honor my request to enter retirement.”