Parker retires from superintendent and returns to his love of teaching
Robby Parker listens during a retirement celebration held in his honor on Friday as former co-workers, colleagues, former students and city leaders express the gratitude for what Parker has meant to them and Madison. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW
Former MCS administrator and Bob Jones athletic director Bobby Jackson spoke at the retirement celebration about first hiring Parker at Bob Jones. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW
MCS board attorney Woody Sanderson talked about how Parker was the right man to lead the school district during a crucial time when Madison’s rapid growth demanded decisive action. Holding a sign encouraging residents to vote for the 12-mill tax increase last September, Sanderson said several school and community leaders had signed it for him on election night, but one name was missing – Robby Parker’s signature. He was able to fix that at the celebration and add Parker’s name. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW
: Parker spoke to a crowd at his retirement celebration about his love for Madison and reason for leaving at this time. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW
Parker has been known for his unique sayings for many years. At his retirement reception, cards placed on tables throughout the room featured many of his “Parkerisms”. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW
Robby Parker was not the only person being honored at his retirement celebration. His wife, Anita, received a city coin from Madison Mayor Paul Finley for her support to her husband and the positive influence she has played a part in helping Madison be a better place. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW
MADISON – Friday was a very eventful day Robby Parker. The former Madison City Schools superintendent held an early morning press conference announcing his new position and wrapped the day up with a retirement celebration in Madison.
Parker, who has spent 31 years as an educator in Madison schools, retired Friday. Before he left to embark on a new chapter of his life, Parker announced he will become the principal at Whitesburg Christian Academy in South Huntsville.
“For 27 years I was in the schools,” Parker said in explaining his decision to leave being superintendent to become a principal. “I loved every moment of it. I so miss being with the kids.”
Parker said the five years he has been at the central office as an assistant superintendent and superintendent he has been melancholy. “This is the best superintendent job in state, Parker said. “But, I’m a school teacher and that’s where I want to be. I hope everyone understands that.”
Parker started in Madison schools as a history teacher and coach at Bob Jones High School. He later spent 15 years as assistant principal and principal at Bob Jones and as a principal at Discovery Middle School. He moved to the Madison City Schools Central Office in 2015 to be assistant superintendent and in 2017 became superintendent.
“I knew the rules when I became superintendent,” Parker added “Once you become the superintendent, your next step is out the door. I accepted that.”
Parker said his desire after retirement was to get back to his first love – being with students every day. He stated he feels he has found his home at Whitesburg, but his love will always be with Madison.
“Nobody loves Madison more than me,” Parker said. “I will always love Madison and be our city’s biggest cheer leader. I have vested interest in Madison with my family living here.”
Before he walked out of the Madison City Schools central office late Friday afternoon, friends, family, co-workers and several city leaders gathered to celebrate Parker’s the long education career and what he has meant to everyone in Madison. He has fondly been dubbed Madison’s most-loved person.
“I am so overjoyed and I have loved every second of my 31 years here,” Parker told the crowd gathered to wish him the best.
“I can’t think of a more genuine and committed public servant than Robby Parker,” MCS board attorney Woody Sanderson said at the retirement celebration. “I can’t think of anyone better suited for the time that he was here. This community has recently had to respond to the growth in our city and the need for new facilities, and there was just not enough money to do it. Nobody could have explained that better to this community than Robby Parker did. He went out tirelessly and met everyone he could get together in a group to tell the Madison story and why this community needed to come together and pass the 12-mill tax increase.”
Parker surprised many when he announced his retirement last month, which will take effect at the end of the day. Assistant superintendent Eric Terrell will become the interim superintendent while the school board searches for Parker’s replacement.
He has been with school district since its inception in 1998, seeing it through explosive enrollment and rising accolades as a top performing school district.
“In 1984, the Lord called me to teach. I was never so sure of anything in my life. Now, the Lord is leading me away from the Superintendent role. I am equally as sure of that,” Parker said when he announced his retirement. “I will always love all of the thousands of kids that have shared their lives with me for 31 years. I will be forever thankful for the trust and love all of you have given me. I am also thankful to this Board, former Boards and former Superintendents for the confidence they have shown in me.”
