Hopewell Middle School's Principal Talks About His Retirement

Hopewell Middle School Principal Bill Thompson recently spoke to Ashley Brechtel about his upcoming retirement:

Ashley: Tell me a little about yourself.

Thompson: I have an undergraduate degree from East Carolina University and graduate degrees from Miami University and Georgia State University. I’m married, no children, but my wife Nicole and I have a Golden Retriever named Max. We love to travel, camp, hike, play golf and read.

Ashley: How long have you been at Hopewell Middle School?

Thompson: I opened Hopewell in 2004, one of two assistant principals. Previously I was an assistant principal at Taylor Road Middle School, Ridgeview Middle School and a teacher and coach at Ridgeview High School.

Ashley: What are some memorable moments you've had while at Hopewell?

Thompson: Opening a new school is always exciting. I’ve been blessed with tremendous support from staff and community.

Ashley: What will you miss most about working at Hopewell?

Thompson: I’ll miss the daily interactions with staff, students and parents. Every day is different and offers new challenges.

Ashley: What will you miss least about working at Hopewell?

Thompson: I’ll miss everything! But, my least favorite activity is having to attend large group meetings so I won’t miss those meetings.

Ashley: What has the response been by the students and faculty regarding your retirement?

Thompson: Faculty have expressed disappointment but have been overwhelmingly understanding and supportive of my decision to retire. Students are the least impacted of all stakeholders and some have not communicated any response while many others have passed on congratulations and offered kind comments.

Ashley: What do you plan to do during your retirement?

Thompson: I plan to stay busy. Working part time is a possibility. Fulton County frequently needs interim administrators and that is something I would be interested in doing.

Ashley: What do you think the adjustment will be like getting used to retirement?

Thompson: After 39 years of routine, not having a daily routine will be the biggest adjustment

Ashley: When will your official last day at Hopewell be?

Thompson: May 31 is my last day.

Ashley: What is one memory early in your career that reminds you of why you became and educator?

Thompson: Encountering former students or former students approaching me and saying how much they learned in my class or expressing appreciation of how fairly they thought I treated them. As the years pass this happens more and more frequently and it’s a very rewarding experience.