Claude McAllister, principal of Everett Meredith Middle School, and Eileen McAllister, director of curriculum for the Appoquinimink School District, said “goodbye” to the district July 1, as they traded in their teaching certificates for passports.
Claude and Eileen made the decision to end their voyage with Appoquinimink to accompany each other on future journeys.
“We talked about it for a year or two,” Claude said. “We wanted to do some traveling and wanted to do it together. Last summer we determined this would be our last year, so there would be a good transition. We’re definitely going to miss it.”
He said aside from wanting to travel with his wife, he wanted a change of pace.
“I just felt that I reached a place in my life where I was ready to retire,” Claude said. “I’ve been in education for 42 years and I felt that this was the right time to let someone else enjoy leadership.”
Missing students
and staff
Claude said he liked his job and the Appoquinimink School District family.
“I enjoy working with the staff here,” he said. “They are very professional and are easy to work with. We exchanged ideas. In essence, even though I was principal, I followed their lead.”
Eileen said her decision to retire was based on her passion to see the world.
“My job is great,” she said. “I’m going to miss it. We will plan to be on vacation when school starts so we’re not thinking about it. I taught for 17 years and I still miss the kids.”
Claude said he will miss a lot of things at MMS.
“The school year has a certain rhythm to it,” he said. “Every year the opening of school is exciting. There are new people coming in, students and staff alike. It’s an exciting time. The closing of school is a high-energy time. I love looking ahead and starting new. I think education does that for you. You’re always future looking.”
Eileen said she is going to miss her co-workers and staff at the schools the most.
“When you’re in district office, you’re working with the Superintendent Dr. [Tony] Marchio and Dr. Proffitt [Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marion Proffitt],” she said. “They are good people to work for and very supportive of the teachers.”
The McAllisters turned in their letters of resignation in October and received a sad farewell from co-workers and long-time friends.
“A lot of them asked, ‘Why can’t you work another year or two?’ ” he said. “I was quite open with my decision. About 80 percent of the staff was here when I got here. I’ve worked with most of them for 10 years.”
Plans after retirement
Claude said they have a busy schedule starting July 1.
“I feel like I never have time to do everything I want to do,” Claude said. “I feel like I’m always rushing.”
The McAllisters said they will have time for their favorite pastimes after retirement.
“We love to read,” Eileen said. “I cross-stitch. We’ll definitely go golfing. My grandkids play baseball and we don’t get to see their games enough. I mentor high school students and I would like to keep doing that. We’ll probably do some volunteer work. Our granddaughter is getting married the week after we retire. Our son is coming back from Iraq.”
“I also woodwork and build furniture,” Claude said. “I’d like to spend more time at my house at the Jersey shore.
Claude and Eileen were unable to do certain activities they wanted to do during the school year.
“We have a timeshare in Portugal in May and we always had to switch it,” Claude said. “A lot of things we wanted to do conflicted with the school year. You say, ‘When I retire, I’ll have time to do it.’ ”
Eileen said they are staying in the area and hope to see their friends from the school district as much as possible.
“It’s sad, but we’ll be in contact with them,” she said. “We live local.”
Claude said at the end of the day, after wiping a tear from his eye and thinking about everything he is going to miss, he is still ready for the next chapter.
“It’s a big step in your life,” he said. “It’s time for someone else to have the opportunity that we had. In my mind, I’m still a young teacher. It’s really time for someone else to become principal of such a wonderful building.”
Middletown, Del. —
