Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Lincoln County Schools Chief Operations Officer Darren Yaden has formally announced his retirement from the district, effective June 30. Yaden has been an integral part of the school district for the past 30 years.

“I have really enjoyed my time with the district,” said Yaden. “I had the opportunity to experience many different aspects of the school district during my career. I always felt like that helped me understand different perspectives which made decision making easier. My approach was centered on not sweating the small stuff, don’t major in minors.”

Yaden added that the rebuild after the board office fire and recent turf field projects were two of his most memorable.

Yaden said he enjoyed being a teacher, principal and a district level administrator but some of his greatest memories were made coaching football for over 20 years. “I am a Lincoln County guy, and I always had a lot of pride for the program and schools, and I will continue to do so now that I’m retired. I want the best for our county.”

Yaden spent 31 years in education. During his career he spent time as a classroom teacher, football coach, principal and chief operations officer.

“Yaden has been an asset to our district for many years. His different experiences throughout his career provided a lot of knowledge and wisdom in our day to day operations,” said Superintendent Bruce Smith. “He helped make a difference for our community in the classroom, on the sports fields and later on in his career overseeing technology and facilities. His services will be dearly missed and I wish him nothing but the best in retirement.”