Bulletin: Vaughn to retire from OHS in September on The Murfreesboro Post

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Bulletin: Vaughn to retire from OHS in September

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By: MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Staff Writer

Posted: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 3:27 pm

It’s time to try other things, Oakland Principal Butch Vaughn said after announcing his retirement at the end of September.

The 35-year public school veteran has decided to step down to pursue other options, he said.

“Really, it’s been a great run, and I have worked with some fabulous people. I feel like I’m leaving Oakland in great shape,” Vaughn said.

Vaughn explained his main accomplishment at Oakland was changing the culture of the school.

When Vaughn became principal two years ago, the school had a plunging graduation rate and was listed as a high priority school under No Child Left Behind.

Vaughn has turned the numbers around, posting the highest graduation rate in the county last year. He attributes the change to the development to two key programs – the International Baccalaureate program and the Construction Trades program, which began with a masonry program last year.

“Those were two programs that needed work,” Vaughn said, adding they give opportunities to college-bound students and other students who will never crack another book after graduation. “Getting the masonry and IB were the two greatest things, (but) it’s all due to the great teachers and administrators that get it done every day.”

Vaughn has served Rutherford County Schools for more than 35 years and recently began his third year at the helm of Oakland. He previously served as principal at Blackman Middle School and Central Middle School. Prior to becoming an administrator, Vaughn taught at Central High School and Thurman Francis Junior High, where he also coached football.

Running a comprehensive high school means many hours away from home, and Vaughn is eager to have more time to dedicate to his family and grandchildren, he said.

Director Gill praised Vaughn’s dedication to public education in Rutherford County.

“During his time at Oakland, Butch Vaughn has gone to great lengths to rally support for the school and to improve academic opportunities for students,” Gill said. “His retirement is unexpected, but I wish him well on any future endeavors.”

Tagged under RUCO

Member Opinions:

By: les6216 on 8/26/08
I am so disappointed to learn of Mr. Vaughn's retirement, as he has finally returned Oakland to the level that the community and students within the district have been looking for. It is my sincere hope that the new principal will have the drive, determination, dedication, and heart to keep Oakland on the higher academic track that it is headed towards. I wish him luck in his endeavors and pray that he will make sure that his replacement has the same dedication as Mr. Vaughn has shown.

By: johns48813 on 8/26/08
I was privileged to work with Butch Vaughn for five years at Central Middle School. I could not have asked for a better person to work for. His loss from the Rutherford County School system will be felt for a long time to come. Best to you, Butch!

By: Ruminator on 8/27/08
Best of wishes to Butch and his wife Joan. They are both quality people...and whatever he decides to do...Murfreesboro will benefit.