MURPHYSBORO - Robert Koehn's 30-year career in education will come to a close at the end of the month.

Koehn, currently the regional superintendent of schools for Jackson and Perry counties, officially retires at the end of the day July 31.

"I'll miss the direct contact with the people," said Koehn, who has served as regional superintendent since 2004. "But there's always plenty of volunteer work, so you could probably show up at any school, and with experience in education, they'd welcome you with open arms."

Prior to being elected to the regional office in 2004, Koehn served as a teacher in Gorham, a principal at Trico High School and superintendent of the De Soto Grade School district. He said much has changed through his years of service � including a switch from paper-based systems to electronic ones � but many of the issues surrounding education remain the same.

In retirement, he plans on spending time with his three grandchildren, working on his farm and continuing to volunteer and serve with many local education and civic organizations.

Koehn's elected term ends in 2010. County board chairmen of Jackson and Perry counties will appoint his replacement.

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