Alice Stouder, the deputy superintendent for leadership and learning for the Cobb County School District and a longtime educator in East Cobb, is retiring at the end of June. 

The Marietta Daily Journal reported Wednesday that Stouder, 56, is uncertain about her immediate plans, other than to look after her mother, an Alzheimer's patient. 

The Cobb Board of Education renewed Stouder's contract for another year last month on a 6-1 vote, but she told the newspaper that the lone dissenting vote, from Kathleen Angelucci, did not influence her decision to retire. 

Stouder, who began her teaching career at East Cobb's Murdock Elementary School, was a principal for 17 years. She was the East Cobb area superintendent for six years, overseeing operations in the Pope, Walton and Wheeler districts. 

In January 2011, she was named an interim deputy superintendent, an appointment that was well-received by staff and educators. Cobb County Association of Educators president Connie Jackson told Patch at the time: 

“Teachers are thrilled that she’s been promoted to that position. It’s nice to have someone who understands. She’s wonderful. When you see a whole room clapping her appointment that tells you that she’s well liked and respected.”

After Michael Hinojosa was named superintendent last year, Stouder was appointed to her present position in a reorganization of upper-level staff. 

Stouder's present job duties are extensive. Falling under the leadership and learning umbrella are human resources, support services and evaluation systems, employment, professional standards and ethics, the six area superintendents, principals, student support, alternative education, athletics and facility use.

The MDJ report indicated that Hinojosa is recommending that chief of staff Cheryl Hungerford succeed Stouder.