Covington County Superintendent Sharon Dye submitted her retirement resignation Tuesday.

Dye, who was named to the post in 2006, has made a lifelong career in the Covington County Schools System.

“She’s the only person I know who started out as a bus driver and became a teacher who became a principal and later became a superintendent,” said board member Linda Powell. “I think it’s the reason why she has done an outstanding job as a superintendent.”

Board member Jeff Bailey said, “You’ve done an excellent job. You filled some mighty big shoes and leave some mighty big shoes to fill.”

After other board members expressed their gratitude, Dye, who was overcome by emotion, could only whisper a tearful, “Thank you.”

Her resignation is effective June 30.

Florala High School principal Terry Holley was named interim superintendent, effective July 1.

“(Dye) leaves the system in excellent shape and one has only to look at the list of accomplishments the schools in our system have achieved under her leadership,” Powell said. “We’ve received more state and national awards than ever before.”

Powell cited FHS’s recent accomplishments, such as being named a U.S. News and World Report Top 100 School and one of 12 Banner schools in the state, as reasons why she believes Holley will be effective as interim superintendent.

“Mr. Holley understands the level of education needed in our county and I think his schools have shown that,” she said.

Dye said she plans to spend her retirement “enjoying the simple things in life.”

Board members did not discuss the hiring of process for a new superintendent; however, they will meet again on Fri., June 26, at 7:30 a.m. The date was chosen in light of the upcoming July 4 holiday and scheduling conflicts.