“I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Those are the words of former superintendent and current assistant superintendent of the Batesville School District, Gary Anderson.
At the age of 72, Gary is retiring at the end of this year after working in the education field for 51 years, and as he said, “I worked for the same company for all my years in education.”
“I’ve done every job except cook,” he added.
Gary Anderson / Image via Batesville School District
Anderson noted he has been employed since he was 12 years old. That’s when the late Guy Moseley hired him as the custodian at Van Atkins in Batesville. Later on, he worked in the store as a sales associate, and when he graduated from Lyon College (then Arkansas College), Moseley asked him to manage one of the Van Atkins stores.
“I told him I already had a job where I didn’t have to work on Saturdays, and I wasn’t going to give that up,” said Anderson, who started out teaching and coaching at the Cushman campus.
Anderson spent a good portion of his career in Cushman and was superintendent. He also noted he enjoyed his tenure as superintendent of the Batesville School District.
“I’ll still be around if they need me for short spells,” said Anderson. “I guess my strong suit is business and finance, but I also have a lot of experience in transportation and maintenance.”
On his retirement, Anderson said he planned to travel some, particularly in the northwest and northeast parts of the country he hasn’t yet had a chance to see.
He also added he was rather strict on his children, but now he has “plenty’ of grandchildren, and “that’s (being strict) a different matter,” adding he’s looking forward to attending their activities and enjoy them as they grow.
Anderson said he has to watch his blood pressure and keep it under control. He’s had a “few flair ups” and that’s always a concern, he noted.
The district is planning a retirement party for Anderson on Dec. 13 at the Batesville High School Cafeteria. It is scheduled between 4 and 6 p.m., and the public is invited.
Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. and Ozark Newsline on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ, 93 KZLE, and other W.R.D. Entertainment radio stations. If you have a news tip or event to promote, email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow White River Now on Facebook.
