Friday morning, was not a typical morning at Woodland Heights Elementary. It was Bob Turner’s last day as Principal.
Sitting in his office just visiting about the day, Turner was asked what he will do after retirement. He stated he needed some rest and would like to travel…however his wife will not be eligible for retirement for another several years. She currently works in Brady as a school librarian. When asked if he will take up any hobbies, he answered saying that he likes hunting, fishing, and coin collecting. It is hoped that he will have time and good health to enjoy those things soon.
Helping with Interim Principal duties, Kimber Bennett assured everyone that, “We’re going to try to be as consistent as possible, we will continue things like ‘Turner Treats’, letters to parents about student accomplishments, and anything that acknowledges student success.” Bennett also noted, “They (the students) genuinely love their Principal, how many can say that?”. She pointed out that he is “…one of the most amazing principals/men I have ever met. He knows each child, not only by name, but also by their situation. He can tell you their background and what they need. He has nicknames for everyone, knows their first and last names, and their siblings’ names that aren’t even in school”. When asked how the school atmosphere is today, she said there was “lots of love and sadness today”.Teachers, students, parents and friends took time to reflect on the accomplishments of his career and how much they will miss him at the school. Teachers had Mr. Turner stand on the stage in the cafeteria, to receive gifts, notes and Christmas cards handmade by students.
It was noted how he touched the lives of the kids during his career. One child brought a letter from her sister, Natalie Martinez, who attends Brownwood Middle School. It stated “…because of you, I feel I am a good person.” Another child, hugging his neck said, “My brother said to tell you goodbye”.
There were several comments of “We don’t want you to go” and teachers noted that several students “were crying and did not want today to come”, that they were “heart broken, obviously, they are all crying”.
Laurel Kate Glass told her mother Tammy (a teacher at Woodland Heights), that she didn’t want to leave school early, she wanted to spend the day with Mr. Turner. When told that she could not be with him for the whole day, she said, “I know, I just want to be in the same building with him as long as possible”.
Teachers said how they loved Turner’s faith and that he quoted scriptures to them. Some mentioned a voluntary prayer meeting that he had with them each morning to lift up the teachers and the kids.
Serena Reigle, an aid that is now going to college to become a teacher, said Turner saw she had four children and he still encouraged her that she was not too old to go back to school and become a teacher. She noted that he even helped her proof her papers for classes.
Another staff member said, “He knows we know what to do and he inspires us to excellence”.
Some parents were upset about Turner leaving feeling that he was leaving before he was really ready to retire. They asked “how can the school board let this happen?”. Some noted that they wished more school board members had been there to “see all these babies crying”.
Ending the gathering, Turner was asked how he felt, to which he stated, “It’s trying emotionally, that is why I am speechless. I have gotten a lot of cards, emails, and gifts. It is humbling.” Turner also noted that he is looking forward to tomorrow. He told of how he has been working and paying taxes since he was 11 years old.
Turner expressed appreciation for the morning event saying, “It was a good way to say goodbye to the kids. It was a concern how I was going to share this with the kids.”
Leaving the building one teacher was heard telling Turner, “I cannot tell you how much we are going to miss you!”
See pictures below.
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