GRAVETTE — Gravette High School Principal Jo Ellen Hastings announced her upcoming retirement in a letter to the Gravette School Board.

Hastings’ letter of resignation will become effective June 28, 2012, at the end of the present school fiscal year.

The announcement was not a complete surprise. In November she advised school superintendent Andrea Kelly of intention “to allow us time to complete a timely search for a new high school principal,” Kelly said.

Hastings is an alumni of Gravette High School. She has been a member of the high school staff for almost 30 years, 18 of which she has served as high school principal.

In her letter to the board, Hastings wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation. The last 27 years have been wonderful. I truly found my calling and a second home here. However it is time for me to retire. I am lookingforward to traveling and, more importantly, spending time with my family and especially my eight grandchildren.

“I wish the school, the district, the students and all its employees much success in the coming years. I will miss you all and my job immensely, but rest assured I will be a regular volunteer!”

In her earlier conversation with Kelly, Jo Ellen stated she plans to serve as a volunteer because of her interest in the educational endeavors of her grandchildren, noting, “I’m not completely going away.”

The superintendent saod, “I wish Jo Ellen the best as she enters this new phase in her life and appreciate her plans for a graceful, professional retirement.”

News, Pages 1 on 12/28/2011