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Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat Durant School District Superintendent Duane Merideth congratulates Robert E. Lee Early Childhood Center teacher Shaunda Usry during a surprise visit last month to her classroom to announce she had been named Durant Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024. In a Monday meeting of the Durant Board of Education, Merideth announced he is retiring e ctive July 1. He has served 40 years in education with 31 of those years being in Durant.
Durant School District Superintendent Duane Merideth announced his retirement during a meeting Monday of the Durant Board of Education.
Merideth’s retirement is effective July 1, which is the end of his contract for the 2023-2024 school year. Board members reluctantly accept his retirement letter and expressed appreciation for everything he has done for the students, schools and the Durant community.
In a letter to the board of education, Merideth said, “It has been my greatest honor to serve our school district for the past 31 years. I am so blessed to have served with amazing school board members, school staff, students and community partners.
“I am very grateful for the support and trust you have given me throughout my career here in Durant, Oklahoma. Durant schools and the Durant area have been a great blessing to my family and me. Melanie and I will always be thankful for the time you allowed us to serve the students in Durant.
“Even though Melanie and I are retiring, we will continue to pray daily, for our school board, school staff, students, parents and our community. We know that God has a great plan for this school district and our community.”
Merideth has served 40 years in education, including previously being Durant Middle School principal, Durant High School principal, Durant Intermediate School principal and superintendent of Rock Creek Schools. He was named Durant Superintendent in 2014.
Merideth attends many extra-curricular activities and he is frequently at ballgames to encourage the Durant Lions.
He has said many times that the Durant School District is so blessed to have such great staff, students and support from the community.
When the announcement was made Monday afternoon, many commented on social media.
“Thanks for all the years of service to our community,” said Durant Vice Mayor Mike Simulescu. “Enjoy your retirement.”
The Durant Area Chamber of Commerce said, “We know all those at Durant Public Schools, and the community at large, will miss the leadership and passion of Mr. Duane Merideth.”
Jon Hazell, retired Durant educator and Oklahoma Teacher of the Year for 2017-2018 commented on Merideth’s influence on the school district.
“Congratulations,” Hazell said. “You and Melanie have definitely had a tremendously positive impact on Durant Public Schools which will produce benefits for many years to come.”
Durant High School head band director Chris Gregg was also among the many who praised Merideth.
“God bless you and your wife,” Gregg said. “Thank you for your Godly leadership and example.”