Longtime pre-kindergarten coordinator Teresa Smith is set to retire July 25.

Smith has worked for Beaufort County Schools for 25 years in a variety of positions — from teaching assistant, to Washington High School teacher, and finally the county’s first-ever coordinator.

“It was just time,” Smith said. “I’ve worked with a ton of fantastic people.”

Moving into her position is another familiar face — former S.W. Snowden Principal Catherine Tahaney.

“There are many differences, but there are also many similarities,” Tahaney said of the two positions. “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity.”

For the past two weeks, Smith and Tahaney have been working side by side as a way to transition Tahaney into her new role. Beaufort County Schools’ pre-K program is the largest in the county, serving 180 students at four schools in 10 classrooms.

“She lets me get right into things,” Tahaney said. “You don’t want to reinvent what’s already working.”

Greg Singleton, director of federal programs at BCS, said the pre-K program is lucky to have a period of transition during which Smith and Tahaney can work together.

Singleton said working as the pre-K coordinator is like being the superintendent of a small school system; the coordinator has to know a little bit about every aspect.

Although the district is sad to see Smith go, Singleton said he is also confident that Tahaney’s transition will continue to be a smooth one.

“We’re real thankful for all the things Teresa has done over the past 30 years with Beaufort County,” he said. “We’re going to miss Teresa a whole lot. … She basically created the position.”

Tahaney agreed that she has big shoes to fill. However, she said she is excited to start her new role, providing children in Beaufort County with the educational services they need.

“That part of my job (at Snowden) I really loved,” she said. “I’ll still have an opportunity to work with Snowden, but in a different capacity.”

Smith said she is excited to move into retirement, although she will miss her coworkers. She plans to spend more time with family and especially her grandchildren.

“Miss lots of people, yes, but I still live in Beaufort County,” Smith said. “It’s a fantastic job. … It was a good thing all the way around.”