After 37 years, Superintendent Sheldon Rowe couldn’t even begin to guess how many students he’s taught. As his official retirement is announced Rowe is reflecting on his progression through the Peace Wapiti School Division which included stops in Teepee Creek, Hythe and Wembley.
Rowe says teaching that many kids over the years can present some unique challenges.
“My kids used to complain all the time of how long it takes us to get through the mall simply because you have to stop and you know, you haven’t seen kids for a long time and you want to find out what happened to them so you spend a lot of time talking.”
One of those recent run-ins helped push him towards retirement.
“I saw this older fellow who was playing the slot machines and i realized i had taught him. (I guess we’re all older fellows now) I went over and I talked to him and it turns out not only had I taught him when he was at Tee Pee but I asked him what he was doing now and he says,’well i’m kind of retired.’ At that point you probably know its time.”
Rowe says he is confident in the board and knows that he is leaving some “very capable” people in charge.
His plans for the future include travelling, continuing his volunteer work with the United Way and Rotary as well as spending more time with his grandkids. Rowe will continue to serve as superintendent until August.