Glenn

Today was bittersweet.

There is no late May in my recent (or distant) memory that I can ever recall any educator saying, "Whoo, I wish we had just a couple of extra days before summer vacation!" By the last few days, everyone's done. Even those kiddos who would really rather have the consistency of coming to school everyday because school is a more stable place than home are toast by this point. Toast, I say. In fact, burnt toast.

But today was bittersweet.

Today was the last day of the 2012-2013 school year for Parkway kids. It was also the last day for a great man--the last day of an illustrious thirty-four and one half year career in education. The man who taught me how to be an assistant principal retired from education today.

And it was a bittersweet day.

Glenn Knopf retired today. On the last school day of his career, when he certainly could have slacked off, could have wandered around aimlessly, could have started packing his office, could have really, done just about anything he wanted, he started the day by standing at the door and greeting kids as they walked in. He stood there in a suit and tie. (Because as he said, "I started my first day in a suit and tie. I'm going out the same way.") He did what he's done every school day since the day I met him. Why? Because that's the kind of man he is.

Glenn is one of the most steadfast, consistent, level-headed, loyal, salt-of-the-earth guys I know. In fact, he just may be the most. I have not seen anything rattle Glenn. He is true north. He is the voice of reason. No matter how bone-headed a kid or clueless a teacher, or utterly frustrated I might become, Glenn remains even-keeled. He always thinks of kids first. He doesn't care who he offends if it means doing the right thing.

He can run a schedule. He can keep a building in tip-top shape. He can shoot the breeze with the guys, banter with the girls, and tell an inappropriate joke. He can keep a secret. He can make me laugh. He loves his family fiercely. They don't make them like Glenn anymore.

Today, at the end of the day, as the buses pulled away in a bizarre rain that looked a little like snow, teachers sang and waved the students goodbye, and Glenn stood under his golf umbrella like he would any other rainy day at dismissal. Because that's the kind of man he is.

Today was a bittersweet day.

It was the last day of the 2012-2013 school year, but it was also the end of a long and meaningful career. Glenn, I owe you a debt of gratitude. I will miss you more than words can say. So one more time. See you tomorrow...bright and early.