The Libby Public Schools board at its Feb. 12 meeting accepted resignations from seven people, five of whom are retiring.

Retiring are Terri Rowan (second grade teacher), Jeff Gruber (Montana history teacher), Terria Baker (LES/CS paraprofessional), Charles Hook (LES paraprofessional) and Pam Haas (LES school nutrition facilitator).

Most of their letters of resignation included poignant thoughts.

“It is difficult to express in words my feelings at this time,” Rowan wrote. “It is with great joy that I look forward to the next exciting stage of my life. At the same time, it is difficult to leave so many kind and caring students and staff members.”

Gruber, whose “only request is to go quietly,” wrote that he couldn’t “say what a privilege it has been being able to return to my alma mater to teach.”

Baker wrote that she found her 28 years in the school district “very rewarding and educational,” while Hook stated that “the last ten years have been a pure joy for me.”

Ron Goodman, Libby Elementary School principal for the past 7 years, will be leaving at the end of the school year to work as a financial advisor for Edward Jones.

“I want to say thank you to Libby Public Schools for the past fourteen years,” he wrote. ”You have invested in my life, and I pray that I have invested in yours. That being said, when I become licensed in November, I look forward to investing with you again!”

Samantha Hannah, fifth grade teacher, resigned as coach for fifth and sixth grade girls basketball and volleyball.

Superintendent Craig Barringer said Goodman’s position will open to applicants on Feb. 20, the teaching positions will open immediately and the other positions will open later this spring.