Somerset — His family’s involvement with the Somerset Independent School District can be traced to the early 1940s. But on June 30, Wilson Sears stepped away from his position as superintendent of the school system.

The move might take him out of the school physically, but his heart will remain with the Briar Jumpers.

“If you have Briar Jumper pride, that’s something you never lose,” Sears said Monday afternoon.

“I hope this school district will continue to thrive, and I believe it will. There are too many Briar Jumpers like me that want to see it do well.”

A 1959 Somerset High School graduate, Sears led his alma mater as its superintendent for eight years, but his career in education has spanned 45 years.

He was a math teacher and football coach for 20 years, and has spent 25 years in administrative positions. He’s worked in 10 different school systems in three states, but the bulk of his career — 37 years — has been spent in Kentucky. His longest stint at any one school was nine years, in Bowling Green, Ky.

Sears has retired twice before, in 1990 and 1998. He has said he is a “failure” when it comes to retirement.

And this time around may be no different. While he’s leaving the Somerset school district, he’s already eyeing some other opportunities in the field of education.

“I’m looking into the possibility of a couple of positions — ones my friends have asked me to look into and that are attractive to me,” Sears said.

“They are both leadership positions in the education ball park. ... We’ll see what happens with that. If the opportunity presents itself, I will take one of those positions, but neither position has been offered to me yet.”

Sears may also make himself available to participate in scholastic audits and to serve as an interim superintendent in any of several school districts.

“Some people may believe I’m ready for the rocking chair, but I have convinced myself that I’m not ready. Besides, there’s only so much golf and tennis you can play — and the cost of gas has restricted my travel budget,” he said with a grin.

“This will be the first time in 45 years that I haven’t been there for the start of a new school year,” Sears said of the fast-approaching 2008-2009 term.

“This will be an adjustment for me. I would be less than honest if I didn’t say that I’m somewhat apprehensive about waking up July 1 and anticipating going to work.”

During Sears’ years at the helm of the Somerset Independent School District, it was obvious that he was enjoying his job. He often went beyond the normal responsibilities of a superintendent to reach out to students — greeting them as they began their school day and visiting them in their classrooms and lunchrooms.

“I’ve always felt like it’s important to be visible to the kids, and if the parents happen to also see you, that’s good too,” Sears said.

“I feel good about the fact that so many kids in the district knew my name. ... One student didn’t know who I was, and another student told him, ‘I think that’s the big principal.’”

Sears spent the last few days on the job conducting business as usual.

“There are always personnel issues this time of year, and maintenance issues,” he said.

“We just had our fiscal year-end board meeting. ... And I’ve been communicating with (incoming superintendent) Dr. Teresa Wallace to help ensure a smooth, easy transition.”

Wallace began her role as superintendent on July 1.

“I’ll miss seeing the children progress, learn, participate, and grow up. I continue to take a great deal of pride in seeing the kids walk across the stage to receive their diplomas,” Sears said of the chapter of his life he is leaving behind.

“Anyone who is in this business for any other reason than an appreciation for what we do with kids is in it for the wrong reason. It’s a kid business. That’s why we’re here. ... I have always told the school’s leadership to make their decisions based on the best thing for kids and the best thing for our schools. That being said, sometimes we have to make a decision to protect the integrity of our schools that some might not consider to be the best thing for an individual child. ...

“It’s been a fantastic eight years,” Sears continued.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to have served in what I consider to be one of the outstanding districts in the state. ...

“We’ve made some great strides in the last eight years. I’m proud to have been a part of it.”

His list of accomplishments include the establishment of Wright Steps Academy, the Alternate Learning Center, a health and wellness program, a drug testing policy, I-Lab, the Students Keeping in Physical Shape (SKIPS) program, and the Successful Tutoring Empowering Parents and Students (STEPS) reading program. All three schools in the district have been wholly or partially renovated in the last eight years, and numerous improvements have been made to sports facilities across the campus. The Ray Correll Hall of Fame was also established under Sears’ leadership.

In spite of a successful eight-year run as superintendent, Sears says he is leaving with a few regrets — mostly projects which couldn’t be afforded.

“Our test scores are solid, but I’d always like for them to be better,” he added.

Sears began his time in the Somerset School district as a grade school student in 1946. His older brother, Jim Andy, had begun attending school there a few years earlier. John David, the youngest of the Sears family, joined his brothers as a Somerset High School alumni.

Sears’ father, Leonard, was a teacher in the Pulaski County School system and was a principal at the former Memorial Elementary School. Jim Andy, after teaching in several other school systems, went on to become principal at SHS. He passed away in 1996.

“My family and I have been a part of Somerset Schools over the years. I just left for 40 years and then came back. ...

“I have no plans of leaving Somerset,” Sears said of his future plans.

“This is my home. I grew up here. My family and parents are here. I love this city, and I always have.”