By Staff
RETIRING n Meridian High School Athletic Director Mac Barnes, seen here in this file photo, announced his retirement Monday after 28 years as a teacher, coach and, most recently, the public school's chief athletics advocate. Photo by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Richard Dark/The Meridian Star
Jan. 9, 2001
The end of an era arrived Monday in the Meridian Public School System.
Meridian High School Athletic Director Mac Barnes announced his retirement after 28 years as a teacher, coach and, most recently, the public school's chief athletics advocate.
Addressing other faculty, Barnes gave his farewell speech in the school library. He cited his decision to leave as a financial one that would benefit his family.
Barnes, 48, said the "magic number" in teaching is 28 years because "you can get into the lump sum" portion of the state retirement system.
While it isn't set in stone just yet, the "something else" for him apparently involves entrance into the Mississippi Private School Association in some capacity with Lamar School.
But Barnes insisted that Monday was all about first things first.
Barnes also said his timing was to give MHS ample opportunity to find a replacement by the time his tenure comes to an end in May.
Before Barnes gave the announcement, MHS principal James Bounds and Schools Superintendent Dr. Janet McLin spoke to the assembled educators.
Richard Dark is a sports writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail him at rdark@themeridianstar.com.