Panama School Superintendent To Retire In September
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PANAMA -- Panama Central School Superintendent Bert Lictus announced plans to retire next September.
Lictus, who has been with the district in various capacities since 2001, said he will sincerely miss working at Panama He started his career with the district as director of student services and served as high school principal from 2003 until 2010. He was named superintendent in July 2010.
"Where does time go?" Lictus asked. "When you work in a school people are really supportive, whether it's a concert, an open house or a sporting event. It's just unlike other jobs -- there's a lot of positive energy around a lot of what we do."
Upon retiring, Lictus said he plans on spending more time with his daughter who lives in Nashville and also hopes to spend some time traveling.
"I just want to have the freedom to take some time and see what the next chapter is going to bring," Lictus said. "There's a pretty big world out there. Working in a school, we're pretty limited to when we can go places. I think it will be fun to explore the rest of what's out there."
Lictus said he cherishes the time he spent in the school district and has many fond memories.
However, one not-so-fond memory does sticks out.
"My first administrative meeting in 2001 was actually on 9/11," Lictus said. "I started in August, and we started school. It was our first formal meeting with the administrative team. We met once a week, and that was our first full meeting -- I'll never forget that. Now, I'm ending on COVID -- beginning and the end -- it's crazy stuff."
Lictus said the school district is much like a family, everyone is tight-knit. The milestones that occur in the staff's life are often celebrated together.
"Whether they get married or have a baby or things like that, they're celebrated," he said. "We have had some tough times -- we lost a couple of teachers while I was superintendent. That was a really, really hard time here."
One of the highlights of his career at the district was when Panama's elementary school was named a recognition school by Business First. Likewise, Lictus said he is proud of the sports merger that occurred between Sherman, Panama and Clymer.
"Everybody's familiar with our football program, I think, but also combining our other sports has been very, very successful," he said. "It means kids are still getting opportunities they wouldn't have had. You can do it with neighboring schools. You can compete against each other one season and then play with each other the next season. It's amazing how supportive the communities are of that concept."
Lictus said he has also been particularly proud of the music and arts programs at the district. He said despite being a small school, the district puts out "a tremendous product."
"We really meet the needs of all kids," Lictus said. "That's our goal and we work really hard for that."
As for those who will continue in the educational field or those who are possibly just entering it, Lictus had some words of wisdom to share.
"I guess what I would say is that it is a very rewarding career, and it's very hard -- but you have the opportunity to impact the lives of so many kids," Lictus said. "However, that's only if you are willing to put the time into understanding the importance of education and understanding the value of children. It's not always fun -- there are times that people don't understand the decisions that are made -- but if you really believe in what you're doing, it's a great opportunity."
Lictus said he will greatly miss working in the district, and will especially miss those he worked with. He said working with staff and faculty in his district as well as those in neighboring districts has been a great experience. Lictus said education is "really a collaborative effort in this county."
"I really enjoyed it -- I can't believe that 21 years have gone by," he said. "To spend that entire time as an administrator in one district is kind of unique. I'm one of the old guards, but I would say the community has been very supportive and I just had this wonderful opportunity to work in Panama during my entire administrative career. For the last 21 years, it's just been a thrill. I can't imagine doing anything else."