Blakely principal Ric Jones announced that he will retire at the end of the school year after 36 years with the school district.

In a letter to parents last week, Jones said he announced his retirement far in advance to provide ample time to find a replacement and to ensure a smooth transition for the new principal.

The school district will have a job posting ready by December 1, and will complete the hiring process by spring break, district spokeswoman Pamela Keyes said.

Prior to his 18 years as principal at Blakely, Jones worked at Bainbridge High School. He served as a social studies and physical education teacher for nine years, then as an associate principal for nine years.

“I often referred to Blakely as the happiest place on earth and while that may be a slight stretch, it has always been a fun and positive place for children and adults alike, to learn and grow,” Jones said in the letter. “This has been provided by an extraordinary group of dedicated and skilled staff, that put children first.”