Drakes Creek Middle School principal David Hutchison, of Bowling Green, laughs with Bradley Aubrey, 14, an 8th grader at the school on Thursday, Hutchison will retire after 11 years as principal on Friday.

While students will have to return to school in January, school is out forever for David Hutchison.

Hutchison, the principal of Drakes Creek Middle School, is retiring at the end of this month. Friday was his last day with students.

Hutchison came to Drakes Creek in 1994 as an assistant principal, and he has been principal for 11 years.

He said the highlight of his tenure was getting to know the families that came through the school.

“The thing that I remember the most are just the families and students that you encounter,” Hutchison said. “You just realize what great families and teachers we have.”

The combination of teachers and families is what has made Drakes Creek successful, he said.

“I’ve been fortunate to be part of that,” he said.

 Hutchison has a music degree from Western Kentucky University and was a school band director for several years before setting his sights on becoming an administrator and got his master’s in school administration.

“I thought it would be something I’d enjoy doing,” he said. “I enjoy the organizational parts of any activity and looking at what makes it successful. As a band director, you do a lot of that.”

Kim Davis, director of student services at Drakes Creek, has worked with Hutchison for eight years. She said he’s very patient, kind, determined and focused.

“He’s always willing to listen to student and parent concerns,” she said.

Warren County Public Schools Superintendent Tim Murley said he values Hutchison’s great leadership, work ethic and opinion.

“David Hutchison has always been an outstanding educator,” Murley said. “He has always kept the best interest of the kids at Drakes Creek in mind. I’ll miss him very much.”

Tom Renick, who retired as principal from Moss Middle School in May, will step in as interim principal for Drakes Creek until the school board finds a replacement this spring.

Right now, Hutchison said he has no definite plans once he retires, but he expects to stay busy.

“I’m sure I’ll want to do something,” he said.