With tears in his eyes, head principal Charles Pickitt announced his retirement plans at a staff meeting on March 8.

“When you reach my age, you should become wiser in how you spend each day and each year,” Pickitt said. “I have a beautiful wife and two fantastic granddaughters that need to see more of me. I also would enjoy the opportunity to see more of Vermont, Carmel, and a few golf courses.”

Pickitt has spent 43 years in RISD as a Texas History teacher, coach, and assistant principal. He has served as head principal since 2005.

“My years at Richardson High School have truly been some of the very, very best of the 43 years in Richardson ISD,” Pickitt said. “This school has been more fun, more enjoyable and more exciting than any of the other schools I’ve ever worked at. What sets this school apart is the way students embrace each other and embrace the staff. The thing I love most about this school is the belief among students and teachers that nothing is impossible. The chant that the students do at the ball games, the ‘I Believe’ chant, that is Richardson High School.”

Despite his fond memories, Pickitt knows he is making the right choice.

“When you make a change, it should feel good and that voice inside your head should confirm it,” Pickitt said. “And I feel good about this – it’s time. The bad thing is, I really think I could have worked here and enjoyed myself for another 10-15 years. RHS is just so much fun. I’ll miss pep rallies the most because they show the spirit of Richardson, but I’ll also miss the lunches because that’s when I get to wander around, visit with the students and see what they’re up to – and I’ll also miss interviews from the Talon.”

Pickitt is not quite sure what his future holds, but he knows he wants to stay active and be around students.

“I’m a little bit ADD and I can’t sit still – as evidenced by my behavior around the school,” Pickitt said. “As I’ve contemplated retirement in the past three years, I’ve been looking for something that will give me something to do and keep me connected to students. “

He’s currently keeping his options open – perhaps he’ll help train teachers at UTD, work part-time in RISD, or become a college professor.

After the news of his retirement spread, the halls were filled with voices expressing their sadness.

“It makes me so sad that Mr. Pickitt won’t be here for my last two years of high school,” sophomore Monique Gasca said. “He is such a nice guy and he really listens to students and understands our situations when no one else does. He is the perfect example of how an educator should be.”

Math teacher Chad Gilliland said that Pickitt has been a role model for him.

“His love for the kids of RHS is obvious,” Gilliland said. “I’ll always remember him telling us at a staff meeting – sometimes we deal with kids who are a struggle, but I never want you to stop believing in them.”

Under Pickitt’s leadership, Richardson High School has been named an AVID Demonstration Site and was awarded an exemplary rating by the Texas Education Agency. Pickitt said that he hopes his legacy is one of family values and fun.

“My philosophy as principal has been to listen more than you talk, hire the best people, and empower them to do their job,” Pickitt said. “I hope to be remembered as someone who listened and cared.”

For senior Cody Dowell, he’ll be remembered as even more.

“He’s the best principal I’ve ever had,” senior Cody Dowell. “When he talks to me, I want to be the very best ‘me’ I can be for him. I feel privileged to have had him as a principal for four years and I’ll never forget the lessons he taught me.”

Pickitt Interview from Talon Online on Vimeo.

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