Gainesville High School Football Coach Bruce Miller and Principal Tom Smith are set to retire, following a Gainesville City School Board meeting Tuesday.
The very last item on the Gainesville City School Board's agenda revealed in the personnel report that principal Smith would retire at the end of the school year and Miller would retire this week.
"Can we vote regretfully no," board member Sammy Smith joked ahead of the vote to approve the personnel report. The vote was approved unanimously.
Smith was the principal at Gainesville High for three years and has had a 30 year career in education. Miller has headed the football team for 15 years, including a State Championship in 2012, and an almost 30 year coaching career.
"Anytime somebody decides it's time to retire, you always want to support them and that's the angle we're taking now," said Superintendent Jeremy Williams after the meeting. "Mr. Smith, he and I spoke a few months back that this was year 30 for him and he was ready to retire. We wish him the best of luck. In his three years here, he's improved graduation rates and we look forward to taking it the next step."
Williams said Smith will carry out the remainder of school year while they look for a replacement.
"The hardest one, in all honesty was Coach Miller. When you've got 15 years in a community, there's kids who, years ago, weren't even in school that he's coaching now. The impact he and the other coaches have made on the lives of those kids is a testament to the dedication he has to them, being at the helm for 15 year, winning the State Title in 2012, impacting thousands of students lives over his career, we're just so excited for him and see what doors open next for him as well. It's gonna be hard for him but I do believe he's going to have a lot of people that will want to use his expertise and his experience to help shape and mold other generations."
"When we met the other day, he thought sooner was better. When you've got a season coming up and spring training coming up, he doesn't want to be a distraction, and I understand that," said Williams. "His continuation through the school year would have been great, but I understand where he's coming from."
In an email statement, Williams said the school system plans to recognize Miller during the 2018 football season and looks to invite current and former players, parents, colleagues and community members.
