After four decades of working with schools in Pickens County, Pickens County Superintendent Henry Hunt is getting ready for the next chapter in his life.

Hunt will hand the reigns over to Dr. Kelly Pew, as he puts the finishing touches on what he says he considers a very memorable career.

“It’s been a very enjoyable time,” said Hunt. “In any job, you’ve got your good days, and you’ve got your bad days, but the good days did outweigh the bad. It was always enjoyable seeing the students learn a skill, be successful, and move along.”

Hunt heard nothing but admiration from school board members during his final meeting, and Board Chairman Alex Saitta says he will be remembered for his transparency.

“You can say so many great things about him as a person and as an administrator, but I think the thing that I focus on the most is that he’s just honest,” said Saitta. “He just had a sense of duty, and I just have a lot of respect for him.”

Several early interactions with Hunt, in particular, stick out to Saitta.

“What I remember when I was with the taxpayers association and I would be asking for information from the district, which they knew would be in some article or letter to the editor criticizing overspending, he did his duty and handed that information over without any hesitation,” said Saitta. “Frankly, many administrators would not do that.”

While moving on, Hunt says the most rewarding part about his job has been trying to make an impact on student’s lives.

“It’s always been fulfilling to see students be successful and being able to help a student who maybe didn’t make the wisest choices,” said Hunt. “To see students see the error of their ways, and be able to correct things and improve is an enjoyable thing also.”

A lengthy career has the superintendent ready for the next stage.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Hunt of retirement. “I’ve been in the schools in Pickens County for 41 years and some odd months and I am looking forward to retirement. What I’m looking forward to the more than anything else is just a little bit more flexible schedule.”

Saitta says the best quality about Hunt is that he is as good of a person as he is an asset to Pickens County Schools.

“I would trust him watching my own kids, or managing my 401K,” said Saitta.

So, what will he do next?

“I’ll probably still be doing some things there with schools, and some different things in the county, but I won’t be getting up at five in the morning and getting home some nights at ten at night,” said Hunt.