WINFIELD, W.Va. -- Harold "Chuck" Hatfield, longtime superintendent of Putnam County Schools, announced he will be retiring at Monday night's Board of Education meeting.
Hatfield has worked in various roles in the district for more than 40 years. He started as a substitute teacher in 1973 and worked his way up to superintendent in 2004, according to the district's website.
"There are a couple guys I didn't want to see on there," school board member William Legg said Monday night, referring to the resignation list on the board's agenda. "But, we all knew it was coming."
In addition to Hatfield retiring, Assistant Superintendents Walter Hodges and Penny Fisher are also retiring.
Legg said Hatfield has done an exceptional job appointing assistant superintendents, which Legg attributed some of the district's success to.
"Their goals and the goal of the elected board is all the same, which is to improve school system in Putnam County and we've done that," Legg said.
Hatfield said he's been blessed to spend his whole career at one of the top school districts in the state.
"This is, without question, the best board in the state of West Virginia," Hatfield said. "We do a great job here but what really makes a difference is in the classroom."
Putnam County pays their teachers well, which allows the district to select the best of the best, Hatfield said.
"My greatest accomplishment has been being able to hire great people," Hatfield said. "We can back up greatness with data."
Teachers impact their students in ways they may not even realize, Hatfield said. One of his favorite parts of working with students is when a student comes up to him years later to tell him he made a difference in their life.
Although Hatfield will no longer be working in the board office, he said he's just down the road and will be available if the district ever needs him.
"After 43 years, no one knows Putnam County Schools better than me," Hatfield said.
Hatfield's retirement will begin June 30.
Legg said they've arranged interviews to fill the superintendent position, and hope to have a decision made by May 25. The board requested a special meeting that day to approve the potential decision.
The board also passed a budget for the 2016-17 school year totaling $121,763,432; board member Sam Sentelle abstained from voting. He did not say why he abstained.
Hatfield recognized Treasurer Chris Campbell and his department for putting the budget together.
Reach Laura Haight at laura.haight@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4843 or follow @laurahaight_ on Twitter.