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Cullowhee Valley principal to retire
By Derek Hodges
The end of the school year, only a few weeks away, will bring with it the end of Cullowhee Valley School’s top administrator’s career.
After four years as principal at CVS, Theresa Peters has decided to retire. Peters’ work as an educator began 40 years ago, in a first-grade classroom in Tampa, Fla.
Peters was recently awarded the Wachovia “Principal of the Year” award for the district including Jackson County.
Peters’ decision to retire was prompted by a gradually worsening health condition, she said.
Last November Peters learned that she had mixed connective tissue disease, a rare condition in which a hyperactive immune system affects the tissues that hold muscles and bones together. Doctors are uncertain what causes the disease and have no cure for it. It is not communicable.
Peters is currently taking medication to control the condition, but says she wants to stop taking it because of the side effect risk of lymphoma.
“That really just hit me to know that I’m taking something that can cause cancer,” she said.
The medication became necessary to control the disease’s symptoms so Peters could finish out the year. Peters hopes to find new medicines to try when she moves back to Tampa to be near her sister.
“I just want someone around who can help me make those important decisions that you have to make,” she said. “No matter who you are or what age you are, you need to have some plans in place for when you can’t make your own decisions.”
Leaving wasn’t an easy decision for Peters, despite the risks to her health, she said.
“I’ve had a wonderful career here. It was a very difficult decision. I love it here and I love this school,” Peters said. “I’m always work-driven. I love what I do – I love to work. I love kids, the parents and the teachers.”
While Peters made an announcement about her departure at the school Parent Teacher Association’s last meeting, and has told the faculty and staff at the school, she still hasn’t let the students know her decision.
“I haven’t really told them yet,” Peters said with tears coming to her eyes. “It will be hard to tell them. I suppose that’s why it hasn’t been done yet.”
Peters said she plans to make an announcement to the school after the students have completed their end-of-year testing
Peters’ retirement came as a surprise to school officials.
“Mrs. Peters’ leaving will be a great loss to our school system,” said Superintendent Sue Nations. “She’s a very dedicated educator, she’s very hardworking and she is a visionary. I’m especially sorry for the reason she had to leave.”
Peters’ decision leaves both of the top posts at CVS open, as Assistant Principal Karen Schneider recently announced she will be leaving the school to help run her family’s carpet business.
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