By MICAH DYAL

SEBRING — Deputy Superintendent Jim Bible and Anne Lindsay, director of curriculum and instruction, announced this week that they would be stepping down from the Highlands County School District after a combined total of 56 years in local schools.

The news came Wednesday afternoon during a principal and administrative meeting at the school board office when Bible announced that he was retiring and Lindsay said she was stepping down to work in the family business.

“It is a huge loss,” said Pat Kules, an executive secretary to the superintendent. “It’s a major void that will be hard to fill.”
Bible began as a teacher in the district in 1968. He later became an assistant principal and was eventually promoted to principal. In 2001, he became a deputy superintendent for the district.

“He’s a guy who wore a lot of different hats,” said Kules, who mentioned Bible helped acquire land for the district, handled many legal issues, and had a knack with families. “When a parent was distraught he had a way of talking to them. He was very compassionate. I guess that’s because he’s been in the business so long.”

As deputy superintendent, Bible was responsible for providing assistance to the superintendent, principals, directors, coordinators and managers concerning school-related issues. He also dealt with student conduct, school attendance zones, school board policies and other issues.
Lindsay announced that she was stepping down from her job as director of curriculum and instruction to help with the family business – Baker Septic Installations – located in Sebring.

She was hired on in 1990 as a teacher and later became an assistant principal and eventually principal. In 2001, she became the director of curriculum and instruction.

“She was the driving force for curriculum,” Kules said. “She helped with training and implementing new curriculum.”

The district is currently on the lookout for replacements to fill both administrative positions.