Carol Comeau began her career at Ocean View Elementary School in South Anchorage as a playground attendant.
38 years later she said goodbye at a new playground, North Russian Springs Park, as a symbolic end to her career.
"I'm so grateful to the community for the support they've given me," Comeau said Saturday.
Comeau became superintendent in 2000, after a 10 year teaching stint at Ocean View. Some in the community feel Comeau operated a bloated budget during her tenure as superintendent.
"I can't think of a better thing than to invest in the future, which is public education," said Comeau in response to the criticism.
Comeau says she'll kick off her retirement by taking a vacation to Hawaii with family.
Jim Browder, formerly with the Lee County School District in Florida, takes over as superintendent.
