Retired: Roger Martin says goodbye to Fairfield schools and starts work on his bucket list

FAIRFIELD – After 28 years as a Fairfield educator Roger Martin said the highlight of his tenure came last fall when he was named grand marshal of the Homecoming parade.

The route went through part of the West Elementary School attendance area – the school he spent 11 years at, as its principal.

“My time at West, I just cherish it. I loved the community that it served and have so many great relationships with parents and now-grown children,” said the 65-year-old retiring assistant superintendent.

“(During the parade) I saw so many parents and kids that are now grown, but when I looked at them I could see their little third or fourth-grade faces. It was very touching.”

Superintendent Billy Smith said he, too, was at that parade, walking behind Martin, and saw the love returned to him.

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“Seeing former students, colleagues, parents, etc. waving and lighting up when they saw him. Roger’s reaction was the same,” Smith said.

“Recently, a colleague stated that she couldn’t recall anyone ever having anything bad to say about Roger.”

Martin said since announcing his retirement last year, it’s been surreal because colleagues – particularly would preface annual meetings, gatherings and events with “This is Roger’s last….”

Smith said that was true.

"It is truly hard to put into words what Roger has meant to the district and me. We truly enjoyed celebrating him all year,” Smith said.

“At the beginning of the year, he addressed our entire staff. He encouraged them to make friends, make memories and to make a difference and that is exactly what he did for 28 years. I consider it an honor to have worked and learned alongside him and to call him my friend.”

Earlier this month Smith presented Martin with a ceremonial key to the district with a proclamation. He also received one of the district’s Golden Apple awards this spring.

“I’ve been kind of sad about retiring because I love the Fairfield community so much. Never have I ever considered going anywhere else,” said the 1975 Simon Kenton High School graduate.

“Fairfield has always seemed like home to me. I’ve loved working in the district.”

Through his years at Fairfield Martin has worked as a teacher or administrator at all levels – elementary, middle school and high school. He’s had a hand in hiring nearly half of the staff working in the district.

What’s kept him in the district, he said, is its philosophy toward students.

“Decisions are truly made based on what’s in the best interest of our kids,’’ Martin said.

“We’re always thinking of what’s best for the kids. I love that our district wants to do what’s right, especially what’s right for kids.”

But now Martin says it’s time to move on, to travel, to spend more time with family, especially his son and four grandchildren.

The Kentucky native whose Union, Ky. home is 15 minutes from where he was born, is eagerly looking forward to visiting more countries. Through either mission trips or vacations, Martin has traveled to 25 or 26 countries including China, Russia, India, Peru, Haiti and Guatemala.

This summer he has a trip to Spain scheduled and hopes to visit Egypt and Jordan – both on his bucket list – within the next year.

“We have a big, beautiful world and I’d like to see as much of it as I can,” Martin said. “Travel is one way to continue my education.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Assistant superintendent Roger Martin retired from Fairfield schools