In an official statement posted on the Rockwood School District website and emailed to Rockwood teachers, parents and students on Thursday, Oct. 11, Superintendent Dr. Eric Knost announced that he will retire at the end of the 2018-2019 school year.

“The inevitable idea of retiring from this chapter in my life has crept into my heart in an unsolicited way, bringing interest in new endeavors,” Knost wrote. “The very fact that I am having these thoughts tells me I need to face them, as I never wanted to be that guy who hung on despite such feelings.”

Knost has spent 31 years in public education, this being his fifth year as Rockwood superintendent. He attributed his upcoming retirement to all of his daughters attending college and the recent loss of his parents.

“I have other aspirations to consider, and I am excited to think about the next chapter in my life,” he said. “You can rest assured; I do feel there is plenty of good work for me to pursue.”

Knost concluded his surprise announcement by thanking the students and teachers he has had the opportunity to work with during his time in education.

“I have cherished the ability to meet and work with all of you, not only in Rockwood, but throughout my years, and I hope I have served you well,” Knost said. “I have enjoyed being in so many schools, classrooms, meeting rooms and gatherings. I will surely miss you all, but I think mostly, I will miss the students who have inspired me over the years to constantly improve myself as an educator, a leader and as a person. To all whose paths I have crossed, students, adults, community members, lifelong friends and so many mentors, I thank you for giving me an opportunity to serve and to help others thrive. You all mean the world to me.”