Mayfield Schools Superintendent Phillip Price will start the next chapter of his life as grandfather at the end of July 2012. The board of education accepted his retirement at Wednesday's board meeting.

Board President Susan Groszek tearfully read his retirement letter aloud to audience, which (part of) read: "My tenure in Mayfield has been full of rich memories and knowledge that this community is very special because of its true family environment. The Mayfield school board, administrators, teachers and staff have been and are exceptional in their dedication to the students and their commitment to making 'Every Student, Every Day' a motto that lives."

See more of Price's letter in the media section of this article.

Price will retire to spend more time with his wife and children and grandchildren who live in Chicago.

He joined the district in 1998 and has since earned the district three excellent with distinction ratings on the Ohio Department of Education report card. He was also named Ohio Superintendent of the Year by the Buckeye Association of School Administrators.

After Groszek finished reading his letter, the audience of more than 30 people gave a standing ovation.