Although Superintendent Robert Hammon will not retire from the Sycamore School District until 2005, he is looking forward to retirement.

Hammon has been a superintendent for the Sycamore district for almost 13 years.

“We have a terrific school district. The kids are super,” Hammon said.

The opportunity to become superintendent presented itself after Hammon spent eight years as an assistant superintendent in Sycamore and more than 11 years as a principal at Sycamore High School.

“It was a natural progression of being involved in education and different leadership positions that I became a superintendent,” Hammon said.

Hammon is looking forward to having more time to read and travel.

“I have no short-term or long-term plans, other than to remain in the community and remain active,” Hammon said.

Assistant Superintendent Mary Fasbender said Hammon is involved with many volunteer activities within the community.

“He is involved with the Ben Gordon Center, the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce,” Fasbender said.

She said she is happy for Hammon but has mixed emotions about his retirement.

“He is a great leader. He has taken the district forward, and he constantly is learning and encouraging the administration to learn as well. He will be sorely missed,” Fasbender said.

Fasbender said she does not know what the future holds for a replacement for Hammon. The school board, which makes the decision, has not begun the interviewing process.

“I am a person who likes to remain in the present. Right now, I am enjoying the accolades [Hammon] is receiving,” Fasbender said on possibly filling Hammon’s position.

Hammon’s contract as superintendent is up in June 2005.