I have decided to take a sabbatical from writing/reporting for The Focus. As many of you know, I am a consulting geologist during the day, and cover education issues in my spare time – but the demands of my “day job” have increased measurably and consumed me for the past eight months. I need to take a break from working 10 hour days and focus on what is important to me – faith, family, and friends. I am so very grateful for the many special friends I have made through my writing and reporting, and for that I am so very grateful.

I also want to thank the many readers who pick up The Knoxville Focus every week to stay abreast of education news and happenings in Knox County. I have enjoyed researching education topics to keep the Knoxville community informed about the decisions that impact your kids and your community, and I hope to return to writing, at least on a limited basis, in the future.

Sincerely, Sally Absher