LAURINBURG — For almost 11 years, Nancy Ivey has been the upbeat voice for anyone trying to get through to the superintendent for Scotland County Schools. But now it’s time for her retirement.

The administrative assistant to the superintendent has worked for the district since August 2009, and before worked as the administrative assistant to several superintendents in Marlboro County, South Carolina, for 10 years before coming to Scotland County.

“I’ve always heard that you can replace the position but not the people,” said Superintendent Ron Hargrave, who will also be leaving the district later this year. “This never proves to be more true when you’re talking about a group of retirees that work in public education. Their dedication, their compassion, and their love for children is unmatched.

“Scotland County Schools has been blessed to have had them as employees and all of the many children over the years whose lives they touched have also been richly blessed,” he added. “We thank them and we’ll miss them.”

During her time at Scotland County Schools, Ivey has enjoyed being with the people and the friends she has made over the years.

“I have always heard that you would know when it is time to retire and now that I am at that point in my life, I know that it is time,” Ivey said. “To those, I have worked with, now and in the past, I thank them for whatever part they have played in my journey with Scotland County Schools, I thank them for their patience in my shortcomings and learning along the way and I thank them for the being who they are.”

What’s next for Ivey is to spend time with family, particularly her children and grandchildren who she hopes to spend as much time with as she possibly can.

”I wish everyone the best that life has to offer to them and to make Scotland County Schools the best it can be for the children of this small town,” Ivey said. “Scotland County is blessed to have wonderful people looking out for their children on a daily basis, whether it is during the school year or through the summer.”

Reach Katelin Gandee at kgandee@laurinburgexch.wpenginepowered.com.