A local superintendent will begin his sixth retirement Wednesday. Dr. Darrell Smith returned to WACO in 2013, having previously served as the school district’s superintendent from 2002 until he retired in 2008. He came out of retirement multiple times after that to serve as interim superintendent for other districts in the area.

During his over 40 years in education, he was also involved with athletics starting the girl’s basketball program at Washington School District and serving as the team’s first coach.

Beginning Wednesday, Fred Whipple will serve as WACO’s part time superintendent on a month by month basis as the school board continues to look for a permanent replacement.

Listen to today’s In Touch with Southeast Iowa for our conversation with Smith.