By Julie Finley

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — The Natchez-Adams School District will lose more than 47 years of education experience on Dec. 31.

Assistant Superintendent Larry Little is retiring after health concerns in recent months.

The school board begrudgingly accepted Little’s retirement at their Thursday meeting, but not without a few jokes aimed at keeping him around a bit longer.

Board Chairman Norris Edney said the loss would be a huge one to the district.

“He has been a real champion for us,” Edney said.

Little started work for the district in 1986 as assistant superintendent for personnel. He later became assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

Little left the district and worked at the Vicksburg Warren School District and then for the state Department of Education.

When Anthony Morris was hired as superintendent in 2003, he asked Little to come back as assistant superintendent.

Little will work until the end of the year.

Morris said after Little’s departure, he’ll likely fill the slot with an interim and begin advertising for a permanent replacement.

The position will be open to both internal and external candidates.