Edgewood principal to retire in June

After 36 years as a teacher and principal in Homewood City Schools, Edgewood Principal Patricia Simpson will be retiring at the end of June.

Simpson started as a kindergarten teacher at Shades Cahaba, then became a technology and instructional specialist before being named assistant principal in 2002. She has been Edgewood's principal for nine years. She said she has always enjoyed learning, and that the love of learning and love of teaching often go hand in hand.

“I cannot express my gratitude enough for Tricia Simpson’s years of service and dedication to this district and more importantly to the children of Homewood,” Superintendent Bill Cleveland said in a release. “Dr. Simpson’s love for education is reflected in the faces of her students and wonderful staff at Edgewood Elementary. Her commitment and outstanding service to Homewood will be greatly missed.”

In her time as principal, Simpson said she has been proud to work with the staff to create a culture that puts the children first, with safety a close second, and that students understand how to reach the standard of “Edgewood excellence.” The parents, she said, have also known how to be supportive and involved without getting in the way of her doing her job.

“We’re all on the same page. That’s what I love about Edgewood,” Simpson said. “We understand that every child is different, every child deserves respect and love and support. Parents understand that I need them and they are here for us.”

Every day as a principal is different, but Simpson said her focus is on the needs of her "boys and girls," the school staff and anyone who may visit that day.

“It’s a busy day. Very busy from the beginning of the day until night," Simpson said.

Having been both a teacher and the parent of two students who were educated in Homewood, Simpson said she understands how important family is in this school system, both for students' parents and for the teachers and staff who value time with their own family. In her morning addresses over the school intercom, Simpson calls the school her "Edgewood family."

The timing, Simpson said, is right for her to retire, as everything at the school is “flowing beautifully,” and she feels confident that the next principal can “pick up the ball and bounce high.”

“I just think this is a great time to do it because things here are great. I know that I will turn this school over to a deserving administrator who can pick up the ball and start interjecting wonderful ideas,” Simpson said.

When she leaves Edgewood for the final time on June 30, Simpson said she will have years of good memories, from Grandpals Day to annual musicals to watching her students grow up, to take with her.

Right now, though, her focus is on finishing up a great school year.

“My mind right now is on making sure that the last month of school, we are on target with our instruction, we are not deviating from our school schedule. I’m really not preparing for retirement. My focus is on our kids,” Simpson said.