The Smyrna School District announced Thursday that its superintendent, Patrik Williams, will be retiring Aug. 1 after a 37-year career in public education. Mr. Williams, who has been in the role since 2017, previously served as the district’s assistant superintendent, the principal of Smyrna Middle School and the assistant principal of Smyrna High.
- Patrik Williams is the reason I’m the writer and reader I am today. He is one of the two teachers I credit for my love of history and literature, as well as my deep compassion and empathy for others. “Beowulf” and reading aloud for the win. Thank you, Mr. (now Dr.) Williams. — Natascha Dea Burdeinei
- Karma has come for him. — Linda Shane
- Well, now, they can find someone who may be more beneficial to the district overall. — Caryn Lynn Cotrufello
- If he was placed on administrative leave April 30, why is he waiting till August to take retirement? He should take it as of April 30. — David Steller Sr.
- Probably has to do with when the academic year begins. — Dominic L. Williams
- What did he do wrong that so many people hate him for? — Christopher Jason Truby
- Depends on the reason. Everyone is so quick to fire someone. — Jason Kokotaylo
- Still have not seen why he’s so disliked. — Terry Potter
- He was progressive and didn’t let people get away with anything. — Kristen Steele
- Nothing to do with progressive. He was biased. He should be stripped of any retirement. — Brady Allen
- It is amazing to see someone fall so far and still get paid. By many calculations, close to $45,000 before he finally goes away. This man, in my opinion, did far more harm than good. — Diane Butters-Eastburn
