Lauderdale County Schools Superintendent Randy Hodges said Thursday he will retire in June after 44 years in public education.

Hodges, 69, whose last day is June 30, 2018, said Thursday afternoon he would make the official announcement to the school board Thursday night. He informed school administrators and central office staff earlier in the day.

Hodges said he initially planned to make the announcement in January, but after being asked about his retirement Thursday morning, “I just decided to do it all today,” he said.

“The bottom line is I’ve been working for 44 years total in public schools,” Hodges said Thursday afternoon. “I think it’s just time to enjoy my wife and my family — my daughters and my grandchildren … After 44 years it’s time to sit back and enjoy my family.”

The early announcement will give the school board about six months to hire a replacement. The office of county school superintendent was an elected position in Mississippi until a change in state law made it into an appointed one in 2016. The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2019.

“He’s done a great job with our district,” said Barbara Jones, president of the Lauderdale County School Board. “He has had a focus on curriculum, and he has always supported faculty and staff and he will be truly missed.”

Hodges served as superintendent from 1988 to 1991. He was re-elected in 2007. Hodges also worked as a teacher, coach and principal during his career.

“I’m a strong advocate for public schools,” Hodges said. “I think the future of Mississippi in a big way depends on how well we do in the public schools across the state.”