The director of education for the Greater Essex County District School Board will resign this August.

Warren Kennedy announced his resignation in a letter to staff on Thursday.

“I am now looking forward to returning to the classroom of life and enjoying the same teaching and learning opportunities with my grandchildren,” Kennedy said in the letter. “I know that I continue to have a great deal to learn.”

Kennedy has been director since March 2009. He has been involved in public education for 35 years.

“I have felt acceptance, appreciation and respect from everyone throughout the Board,” the letter said. “I have also witnessed sincere commitment from all employees to work together for our common and most honourable goal of supporting, challenging and inspiring the students we serve.

His last day with the board will be Aug. 30.