Beverley Levine
Beverley Levine’s retirement didn’t last long.
Levine, the Oglethorpe County School System’s former superintendent, has been hired as the coordinator of Oglethorpe County Family Connection after April Moore left for a new job after six years in the position.
“I've joked for years that if the Family Connection position ever came up, that's what I want my next job to be,” Levine said Tuesday. “I didn’t even know April Moore had resigned, and I was reading on Facebook that they were accepting applications. So many people advised me to take three months off before (I) do anything, but it just felt like too good of an opportunity to pass up.”
Levine’s time as superintendent officially ended June 30, although new superintendent Phillip Powell has been on the job since the spring. She will return from an overseas trip on July 5 and start her new position.
Moore accepted an offer as an account manager in sales with Ricoh USA. She will continue to volunteer on the Family Connection board.
“April has accomplished so much on behalf of Oglethorpe Family Connection, and I can’t wait to see all that she will do in her new role at Ricoh,” said Tina White, the board chair of Family Connection.
Moore said she’s excited to begin something new.
“Since I am a little more seasoned, I was looking for a little more growth in some other areas, such as benefits like retirement, healthcare and things like that,” Moore said. “That is absolutely the only reason I left the position is just for a little more growth in those areas.
“I loved my job. I don’t even call it a job because it was so rewarding and enjoyable.”
With her son recently getting married and her daughter graduating soon, Moore felt like this was the perfect time to pursue a new job.
“I'm super excited for what's in store for me,” she said. “God’s plan for me in the future and growing and meeting new people outside of Oglethorpe County, I’m super excited about that.”
Levine said she would like to transition Family Connection to a 501(c)(3), which would open up grant opportunities. She said the organization would take a larger role in the county’s annual Community Day, beginning this summer.
This year’s event is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 at Oglethorpe County Middle School.
Levine spent her career in Oglethorpe County, starting as a teacher in 1987. She’s been the superintendent since 2015. She announced her retirement last November.
“It’s the best part of the job I was doing,” Levine said. “It’s an opportunity to help students, help parents and help the community, which is the part I really enjoyed in the (superintendent) job. I’m thrilled at the opportunity. I’m just so grateful that the Family Connection board gave me this chance.”
The Oglethorpe Echo’s Ellie English contributed to this article.