Smyrna Primary principal Dr. Gale Vogel announces retirement

Students, teachers and parents will soon notice the absence of a familiar face at Smyrna Primary School.

Long-time principal Dr. Gale Vogel has announced her retirement after 17 years in the position.

“(Former Director of Schools) Mr. Hulon Watson tapped me on the shoulder for this position,” Vogel said. “That’s where he planted me and so I’ve stayed here. I’ve enjoyed my time here.”

Vogel is a veteran educator of 37 years.

Prior to Smyrna Primary, she served for two years as an assistant principal at Smyrna High School under principal Robert “Bud” Raikes. Previously, she served in Metro Nashville Public Schools as a teacher.

Vogel plans to spend more time gardening, reading books for pleasure and enjoying her family, she said.

But she will miss the professional family she’s formed over the years.

“What I’ve enjoyed the most is all the teamwork and relationship-building that has occurred in our building, that’s with students, teachers, parents and the central office folks,” Vogel said. “There’s really a lot of great people here.”

A search has begun to fill the principal position at the school and an announcement will be made soon.