Bob Turner, Principal of Woodland Heights Elementary in the Brownwood Independent School District, announced his retirement on Wednesday, December 16, 2009. Mr. Turner has served as Principal at Woodland Heights for eight years and Principal for one year at South Elementary. Superintendent, Dr. Reece Blincoe, stated “Bob has been a tremendous asset to this district. His service to the children and community has been outstanding. He possesses exceptional leadership skills, and he will be greatly missed.”
Turner has led the school in numerous prominent awards including Texas Education Agency (TEA) Exemplary Rated Campus six years in a row from 2004 to 2009. Woodland Heights also received TEA gold Commendations in Reading and Math from 2004 through 2009, and Commendations in Attendance from 2005 through 2007. TEA also recognized Woodland Heights in the TEA Best Practices Database: Making Reading a Priority. Texas Business & Education Coalition listed Woodland Heights as an Honor Roll School from 2005 through 2009. Texas Monthly Magazine named Woodland Heights as one of “The Best Public Schools in Texas,” in 2006 and 2007. In addition, Woodland Heights was named a Title I Distinguished Campus in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, and was awarded the prestigious National Title I Distinguished Campus Finalist in 2007 and 2008; only 1 of 6 nominated school in the state. They were a United States Department of Education “No Child Left Behind “Blue Ribbon School” in 2005.
One of Turner’s proudest memories from Woodland Heights is watching teacher’s aides become certified teachers. There are currently two former aides in college working on teaching degrees. He also will miss being called “Mistuh Tuhnuh,” as his name with 3 R’s is difficult to pronounce for young children.
Upon retirement, one of the first things Turner will do is buy lots of blue jeans and clean the breakfast milk off his shoes. He looks forward to scaling back and having less worries. “I wish nothing but the best for Woodland Heights as they move forward without me,” stated Turner.
In media interview, Dr. Blincoe and Mr. Turner explained the temporary plans for his position until the district is able to fill the vacancy. Danny Cox, recently retired principal from East Elementary will work a half day and the remainder of the day will be covered by Kimber Bennett, Woodland’s counselor. Bennett has the certification for this administrative position as well.
With all the accolades of Woodland Heights awards, Blincoe expressed his excitement that “we will get the best applicants in the state of Texas”.
After 30 years as an educator and 20 years as a principal (8 of them at Woodland Heights), Turner’s last day will be Friday, December 18. It is sure to be an emotional day for staff and students.
