Alan Hawkins will step down Dec. 31; school board to discuss resignation at tonight’s meeting.

CAPE ELIZABETH – Cape Elizabeth Superintendent of School Alan Hawkins has announced he will retire from the position effective Dec. 31. 2010.

“Though the decision is a difficult one for me, the time has come to retire from my current role as a superintendent. It is done with great pride and humility at the opportunity of working collaboratively with so many in our community,” Hawkins wrote in his Aug. 24 resignation letter addressed to Rebecca Millett, school board chairwoman, and the rest of the board.

Hawkins was in meetings Tuesday afternoon and unavailable for comment before The Current’s deadline. The Cape Elizabeth School Board is expected to consider Hawkins’ retirement plan at its meeting tonight.

Hawkins, a 40-year veteran of education, said in the letter it had been an honor for him to serve as superintendent for the past five years.

“Although each job I have had has left me with its own special memories, I specially cherish my experiences here in Cape. I have been so fortunate to work with a terrific group pf people who, despite tough economic times, strive to breath life into out mission and vision statements,” he wrote.

Hawkins said that it was not his intention to totally abandon Cape Elizabeth or its schools, indicating that he would be willing to serve as a consultant through April 15, 2011, to help the district find a new superintendent.

Hawkins, a resident of South Portland, previously worked in the South Portland school system as a teacher and then principal at Small Elementary and Memorial Middle schools for more than 30 years. He left South Portland in 2002 to become superintendent of the Wiscasset school department. He began his teaching career in Millinocket in 1969.

“My career has been one of great joy, constant reflection, continuing research into the best teaching practices of the time, and my own internal drive to do what is best for students,” he wrote.