ROCKVALE, Tenn. (WGNS) - A staple of the Rutherford County education community is calling it a career. Rockvale High School Principal Steve Luker has announced his retirement after 35 years in education, spending a quarter-century of that time right here in Rutherford County Schools.

Luker took the reins at Rockvale High when it opened its doors in 2019. The original school operated from 1927 until 1972, and Luker made it his personal mission to preserve that deep local history. His office became a mini-museum, holding artifacts like class rings from the 1920s and a handwritten catalog of graduates. Luker says his goal from day one was to connect the past with the present.

Before taking the top job at Rockvale, Luker built a diverse resume. He taught and coached multiple sports at Smyrna Middle, Chapel Hill, and LaVergne Middle. He then transitioned into administration, serving as an assistant principal at several local schools before taking over as principal at David Youree Elementary and later returning to Smyrna Middle. Luker says Rutherford County is known nationwide as an elite school district, which drew him to leadership roles here.

As the final bell of the school year approaches this week, Luker and his wife, Karla, are preparing for a move to a small fishing town in Florida. While he looks forward to spending his days out on the water, Luker admits leaving the Rockvale community is tough, saying that when you get connected to something, you do not want to disconnect. 

Dr. Meagan Turnbow has been apppointed the next principal of Rockvale High. Turnbow currently serves as the central office coordinator for English as a Second Language.