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Broughton, who is 58, will have 37 years in education, as of June 30.

"With Dick Walker (elementary principal) and myself retiring the district can look at it, maybe combine (positions). One reason to do it early is so the board will have time to decide the best model for Deckerville's future," stated Broughton.

He said the district faces real challenges, particularly with enrollment.

"It was 1,100 when I came in, now it's 685. The projection is in five years it will be 586," said the veteran educator.

"It's a good time to go. The building is in good shape. We updated technology, I think it is the best in the county. I am leaving the district in a very good financial situation," Broughton stated.

"People say you will know (when it's time to retire)," said Broughton, whose wife Martha retired from teaching in Deckerville a year and a half ago.

"I got into education to have my summers free and never did. Come July 1, I have no plans. I will have the summer off and see...I want to take a year to decide what I want to do," he said.

Their daughters and five grandchildren -who range from the seventh grade to pre-school -live in the Grand Rapids area.

"We spend a lot of time with them," he added.

Broughton, a Deckerville area native, spent his first five years in education teaching seventh grade social studies and coaching in Marlette.

In 1976 he was hired as high school principal in Deckerville and held that position for 19 years. Broughton took the superintendent's job in 1995, which he has held for 13 years.

"The amount of change I have seen in education is pretty dramatic. We used to come up with our own curriculum and now the state comes in and sets it," he said.