Leaving a legacy
After 11 years of greeting students at the front doors of Underwood Public School, Superintendent Todd Benson says the hardest part of retirement won’t be stepping away from the job — it’ll be stepping away from the people.
“I will really miss all of the kids and my staff,” Benson said. “The relationships that we have built will last forever. I am glad that I am remaining in the community.”
Benson, who wraps up his final week with the district this month, has long been a fixture of the morning routine. Rain, shine or subzero windchill, he stood outside to welcome students as they arrived. It’s a habit he admits will be tough to break.
“I greet the students outside every morning, and I will definitely miss that part of my job,” he said.
As he looks ahead, Benson said retirement won’t mean slowing down. Though retirement technically means more free time, he doesn’t plan to sit still. He’s looking forward to fishing more, but he also knows he won’t be idle for long.
“I can’t sit around, so I will be working full time locally,” he said. “It just won’t be in education.”
Much of what he’ll carry with him, he said, comes from the work that happened behind the scenes. Benson often credits Underwood’s staff for the district’s progress during his tenure, and he considers supporting them one of the most meaningful parts of the job.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is investing in my staff,” he said. “They are the ones that actually deliver to the students, so taking care of them is one of my highest priorities. All of the moments that reflected my investment in those relationships will stick with me forever.”
He’s also proud of the programs built during his time in Underwood — efforts he believes helped shift the district’s culture in a positive direction.
“I think we transformed the way education was being done at Underwood,” he said. “The changes impacted the culture positively and were reflected in the actions and words of the staff and students. I give all of the credit to my Lord, but I am proud of that.”