Opelika City Schools Superintendent Mark Neighbors announced that he is retiring after 15 years at the school district Wednesday morning. 

“When I came to Opelika over thirty years ago, I knew it was different and special,” Neighbors said. “I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to work in a community that supports education with such commitment and dedication.”

In a press release, Neighbors stated that he is grateful for his time at Opelika City Schools. 

“I have worked hard to embody our mission of educating every child, every day,” Neighbors said. “While I will miss working with our teachers, staff,  administrators, and students, I look forward to retirement and spending time with my family. It has been an honor serving the children of Opelika and I hope my efforts have been helpful in moving our community forward.”

Neighbors started his career as OCS as principal of the Opelika Middle Schools in 1991 until he eventually became the assistant superintendent in 2001. 

He served as the assistant superintendent for six years and was appointed as the superintendent in 2007. 

He will serve as the superintendent until the end of the school year. The details surrounding the search for a new superintendent are to come.