After graduating the Class of 2024, Assistant Principal Timothy Jones will retire from working at Lafayette after 21 years. 

Throughout his time here as an assistant principal, Jones took part in many activities and events, but there was one type of event that stuck out to him the most. 

“I would say the graduation ceremonies have been very special. My first 12 years I had seniors every year, and then they started looping. I’ve been able to take two classes all the way through, and this will be the class I took for Dr. [Kirti] Mehrotra,” Jones said. 

Even though Jones will retire this year, he hopes to stay in the community and attend his daughter’s [Annie Jones] extracurricular activities along with senior events.

“I will be coming back. I have a daughter that will be a senior next year, and she’s involved in the fine arts. I’ll come back and enjoy those experiences with her as well as some of the senior events,” he said.  

Additionally, to stay involved in education, Jones plans to continue working after leaving Lafayette. 

“I’m going to try to get an administrative job somewhere like a private school, city school or Illinois school. Wherever there might be a need where I can help fill the niche,” Jones said.

Jones will essentially be retiring from the Missouri Public School system, but will still spend his time looking for and working in other jobs that involve the field of education.