Pryor Administrators Ready For Retirement

Two longtime Green Country educators are trading in their careers for a life of leisure.  Pryor Superintendent Dr. Larry Burdick and elementary Principal Patsy Gore are retiring this year after more than four decades on the job.  News On 6 anchor Latoya Silmon reports Dr. Larry Burdick has hired all but one teacher in Pryor's school system.  Principal Patsy Gore arrived four years before he did.

While they may have started their journeys at different times, they're reaching the finish line together.

Office work is no work for Doctor Larry Burdick.  The Pryor superintendent thrives on it, but after 40 years as an educator he's moving on.

"I'll have to develop a hobby or two I think," said Dr. Larry Burdick.

It's a tough task for someone who has dedicated his life to helping children.

"You take each student where they are and advance them as far as their potential will allow them to go," said Dr. Larry Burdick.

Now it's time for him to go, but not without leaving his mark.

"I hope to a degree that's true. I've always felt as superintendent that the most important thing a superintendent does is hiring the personnel because that's what's important.  That's what makes a school work," said Dr. Larry Burdick.

Burdick says he's confident in the team he's put in place over the years.  Only one other person in Pryor Schools has been here longer than him.

"That's pretty good especially since he's got quite seniority or tenure.  It makes me feel like I'm at the top of the heap," said Roosevelt Elementary Principal Patsy Gore.

Patsy Gore is the principal of Roosevelt Elementary.  She started teaching 44 years ago and, like her boss, she's bowing out.

"It's sad and happy all at the same time, but you know 44 years, it speaks for itself," said Roosevelt Elementary Principal Patsy Gore.

She helped the school rack up awards including the Blue Ribbon, but she'll miss her kids the most.  All 380 of them.

"I will miss their presence and their smiles and their hugs. Just being near them. They're so spontaneous and I'm going to miss their laughter and the funny little things they say," said Roosevelt Elementary Principal Patsy Gore.

Mrs. Gore plans to improve her golf game during retirement, while Dr. Burdick says he's still trying to figure it all out.  He says he's been in school in one shape or form most of his life.

Their last day is June 30th.