Sorgho Elementary School Principal Marjie Pippin has announced she will retire at the end of the school year after nearly 28 years in education, all of which were spent serving Daviess County Public Schools.
Pippin first shared the news in a letter to the Sorgho school community, describing the decision as both emotional and reflective after a long career in education.
“It is with mixed emotions that I write this message,” Pippin wrote. “After 27½ years of proudly serving Daviess County Public Schools, this school year will be my last as I officially announce my retirement.”
In an interview, Pippin said the decision ultimately came down to timing and family considerations.
“It was a hard decision. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t anything that I took lightly,” Pippin said. “For the last 27 and a half years, that’s been your identity. It’s still a little bittersweet to think that I will no longer be employed and serving Daviess County Public Schools, but it’s time.”
Pippin said her aging parents and a desire to spend more time with family played a major role in the decision. Her youngest son was recently accepted into Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and she hopes to help support him as he begins that journey.
“I thought, ‘he is going to be seven hours away, and I would like to get him settled,’” Pippin said. “Sometimes even as your children get older, they need you just as much as they did when they were younger.”
Pippin began her career in the district through the circulating teacher substitute program before becoming a kindergarten teacher at Highland Elementary School. She spent 10 years teaching in the classroom before transitioning into leadership roles.
“I loved it,” Pippin said of teaching kindergarten. “I thought that’s where I was going to retire.”
Encouraged by colleagues, she later served as an instructional coach and staff developer at Highland, helping coordinate the school’s Gifted and Talented program, coaching the academic team, and supporting the school’s Leader in Me Lighthouse program.
Pippin spent 18 years at Highland before becoming assistant principal at Meadow Lands Elementary, where she served for five years. In 2022, she was named principal of Sorgho Elementary.
Under her leadership, Sorgho has emphasized leadership development among students and staff through the Leader in Me program. In 2025, the school was recognized as a Leader in Me Legacy School.
In her letter, Pippin reflected on the relationships she formed throughout her career.
“I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated and inspiring educators,” she wrote. “I have had the privilege of calling three wonderful schools home, and I will forever cherish the staff, families, and — most importantly — the students I have crossed paths with.”
Pippin said those relationships are what she will miss most in retirement.
“First and foremost, the people,” she said. “Not just the staff and colleagues, but the families and the students. The hugs you get every day and the affirmations you get from them remind you of why you do it.”
She said education is a profession that gives back more than it takes.
“This is one job that gives back more than you put into it,” Pippin said. “The kids remind you of your why.”
Education has also long been a part of Pippin’s family. Her father taught in Daviess County Public Schools for more than 30 years, and both of her sisters also spent decades in the profession.
“I think it’s just in my blood,” she said. “It’s been an honor to serve this district.”
Looking ahead, Pippin said she plans to spend more time with family and travel with her husband, who works as a pilot.
As she prepares to step away from the profession, Pippin offered advice for those entering the field of education.
“Don’t lose your passion,” she said. “You got into this job for a reason. Teaching is a very powerful position to be in, and the impact you have on your students is important.”
Reflecting on her career, Pippin said she leaves with gratitude.
“While it has certainly been a wild and rewarding ride, the time has come for me to slow down and focus more on my family,” she wrote.
