Bobby Allen said he will miss working for the Lincoln CountySchool District as principal of Bogue Chitto Attendance Center, buthe is excited about moving forward with his plans.

Allen tendered his resignation to the Board of Education duringMonday night’s meeting.

Allen said he was resigning because of an unexpected businessopportunity he could not pass up, and he apologized for the badtiming. His retirement becomes effective July 31, about a weekbefore school begins.

Allen said he has purchased C&V Air Conditioning and Heatingfrom former owner Dave Parker.

“It’s an old and established company, begun in 1961, with a goodreputation, and I felt comfortable in assuming the mantle ofleadership there,” he said. “I am managing the business and will dosome sales work. We have great service people.”

Allen has been with the district for 16 of his 31 years in theeducational system. He served as principal at Loyd Star AttendanceCenter for six years and in his present position as principal atBogue Chitto for four years. He also served for six years asassistant superintendent, while also wearing the hats oftransportation director and personnel director.

“I really hate to leave,” he said. “I have a lot of mixedemotions on this. I’m ready to retire, but I’m not ready to quitworking, and this was a good financial opportunity for me and myfamily.”

Allen also said he is fortunate enough to leave without any ofthe ill feelings that are sometimes associated with outgoingprincipals.

“I’m glad to leave with good feelings all around,” Allen said.”That means a lot to me.”

He was very complimentary of administration officials and saidhe had the pleasure of serving with three “outstanding”superintendents in Harold Luther Smith, Billy Britt and PerryMiller.

“They were all outstanding superintendents who did everythingthey could for the district, and I’m proud to have served withthem,” he said.

Allen said Bogue Chitto is prepared for his departure and willhave no problems opening for school as scheduled.

“We already have the scheduling done,” he said. “We’re ready. Wecould actually start school tomorrow if we needed to.”

He has accomplished a lot in his educational career, Allen said,and laughed when asked to name him most importantaccomplishment.

“I don’t think I can name just one,” he said. “I’m proud of anumber of accomplishments we’ve made during my time with thedistrict.”

He did say, however, that the most rewarding accomplishments tohim personally were the many friends and relationships he hadestablished over his years here.

“The teachers, students and parents have been the mostcooperative and supportive I have ever had the privilege of workingwith,” he said. “I have truly enjoyed the past four years of mylife, and I will miss the daily contact with the many wonderfulpeople I have met at Bogue Chitto.”

Fortunately, Allen will be able to maintain those ties since hewill not be moving from the area.

“I’ll still be around,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Allen will even continue to be a fairly consistent sight atschool and district events. He said he intends to attend athleticand other events often.