SUMMERVILLE — After spending more than 20 years as the Dorchester District 2's Superintendent, Joseph Pye has announced he will retire at the end of the school year.Â
Following an executive session during a Nov. 22 school board meeting, Pye disclosed to his board colleagues and the public that this school year would be his last.Â
Pye, 73, pointed to wanting to spend more time with his family and following other interests like traveling with his wife, Patsy, as one of his considerations for retirement.
“I will be leaving the school system in good hands with a dedicated staff and outstanding teachers," Pye said.Â
He also said during the meeting that the pandemic has been a deciding factor for his retirement. He apologized to his staff for the high expectations he placed on them and for how tough he has been on them.Â
After managing the district throughout the pandemic, he said his own passion has waned and his teachers and students deserve better.
"This pandemic has sucked the blood out of me," he said during his announcement.
Pye's career began 52 years ago as an educator within the district. Since then, he served as the principal of Flowertown Elementary School.Â
After being selected as superintendent, Joseph R. Pye Elementary was named in his honor in 2011. During his tenure, 11 schools and 28 building projects were completed.Â
He was also named the South Carolina Superintendent of the Year by the SC Association of School Administrators in 2012.
"I feel in my heart I have given it my very best," Pye said.Â
Dorchester District 2 Superintendent Joseph Pye (left) and eighth grade English teacher Samantha Hoffman as they celebrate her receiving the 2021 Teacher of the Year title. Pye is slated to retire at the end of the 2021/2022 school year. File/ProvidedÂ
After his announcement, all of the board members thanked Pye for his service and the influence he has had on them and the district.Â
Gail Hughes, chair of the DD2 School Board, said she was grateful for all of the things Pye has taught her. She's worked with him for around 16 years.Â
“I'm thankful for being able to sit beside you and work with you for all these years," she said during the meeting.
A spokeswoman with the district said a timeline for when a replacement superintendent will be chosen will be decided at a later date by the school board.Â
