By Amelia Keaton

Fran Buford has worked at Leon for the past 35 years, handling the school’s financial accounts. With her impending retirement later this month, changes will take place in her life and in the Leon finance office.

Buford handles every cent that goes through the school, whether it be from a club or a charitable donation from an alumnus. Her desk is always covered with papers. She hardly sits down until she’s in the car heading home.

After so many years of the hustle and bustle at school, her retirement will be a change of pace.

When asked what she will do when she leaves Leon, she responded, “I have absolutely no idea what I will do with myself, you know, if I’m not working, which is all I’ve done for 35 years. I’ve given all my thought to Leon High School.”

Her retirement is not by choice. The Leon County School Board has a 30-year retirement program, then a five-year drop program. At that point, you must leave. This program is only for people in Buford’s position, not teachers. But if she could stay longer she would.

An ad has been posted on the Leon County Schools website for a prospective replacement. Principal Rocky Hanna has also formed a committee to start interviewing applicants.

Buford is not the only one nervous about that change. Hanna also has a lot of anxiety.

“That’s one of my greatest challenges as the principal of this school,” Hanna said. “Trying to replace good quality teachers and good support staff.”

Buford’s retirement will be felt by many people. After all, as the saying goes, “money makes the world go round” and Leon is no exception. Almost everyone needs Buford’s expertise.

Junior June Lee is the treasurer for Key Club. Lee goes down to Buford’s office to hand in forms for deposits and purchases. Buford always knows exactly what to do with them.

Senior Rachael Pennock is the treasurer for French National Honor Society and received a packet listing step by step instructions on what things you do as a teasurer from Buford. Pennock is appreciative of Buford’s work.

“I see her twice a week, three times a week or sometimes everyday,” Pennock said. “I see her a lot.”

Pennock is not the only person who crowds Buford’s doorway. Many folks are in and out of her office, constantly handing her papers.

Buford has her own unique system. She knows exactly what to do with everything.

“I don’t think teaching (my replacement) can even be done,” Buford said. “This is a huge job.”

She hopes that the person who replaces her will be experienced in the area of book-keeping.

“There’s a lot that goes on in this office,” Buford said. “It keeps you very busy.”