After 10 years with Chamblee, Linda Lirette has decided to not renew her employment contract and finish her tenure at the end of this school year. All of her students were deeply saddened by the news when she sent out her farewell letter on the night of March 10, 2024.
“I think it was a shock for everyone, especially the class of 2025, who were hoping to finish out their high school career with her. [However], I think that we all know that she’ll get to do a lot of cool stuff outside of Chamblee,” said Nora Glass (‘25).
Though students have received some details on the director’s upcoming leave, many dread her forthcoming absence.
“Honestly, I’m really sad. We’ve gotten some information about who is going to be replacing her, but honestly, it’s not going to be the same. She’s been a great director. I’m definitely going to miss her,” said Omandee Karunanayake (‘26).
Lirette explained her reasoning behind why she made the decision to leave, due to her wishes to prioritize her family instead of her career.
“By the time children turn 12, they have spent 75% of the time they will ever spend with their parents, not just in their childhood, but in their lives. I’ve realized that no amount of time management or self-care will create more time or emotional energy, and my struggles to prioritize my family and my well-being are not due to individual shortcomings, but rather to systemic challenges, social constructs, and, well, physics. Because I love my job, I found myself continually choosing this work over my family and myself, so I’m forcing my own hand,” said Lirette.
Though it is the right decision for Lirette in her life, it was a difficult realization to come to.
“On the night I didn’t sign my contract, I had to stay up and watch the clock tick midnight to be sure that I was going to go through with it, but sharing the news with my students is what made it really real. I was worried people would feel abandoned or betrayed, or as if they had done something to drive me away, but while people have been disappointed to see me move on, they’ve also been wonderfully understanding and supportive,” said Lirette.
Even without Lirette’s presence at Chamblee, the program will continue to grow and strengthen due to the excellent foundation that Lirette has fostered.
“I’ve poured my heart into this program, and I am letting it go because I want it to continue to thrive. Given the current strength of our program, the dedication of our students, the efficacy of our boosters and volunteers, and the competence of our student leaders, Chamblee OnStage is well-poised for this transition,” said Lirette.
Freshmen in Lirette’s program are reluctant for Lirette to leave Chamblee, as they just now got to know her this year.
“I just got to meet her because it’s my freshman year, so I don’t know her that well, but it’s really sad that she is leaving. I thought that this year would be the beginning of my experience with her, so it’s upsetting. I still think the program will continue to thrive, because we’re really on top of things with our amazing student leadership,” said Brooke Bryant (‘27).
When asked about her favorite memory of Chamblee, Lirette remarked on the joy that she has experienced from watching her students lift each other up.
“I can think of countless examples of students supporting each other in ways, large and small, because of the ensemble we have formed together. It comforts me to know that, even if I never return to teaching, that impact for those humans will endure and carry forward,” said Lirette.
Lirette has spoken highly of her time at Chamblee, saying that she is proud to have worked there for 10 years.
“Humans get about 4000 weeks on this Earth, and I am honored to have spent about 400 of mine teaching at Chamblee,” said Lirette. “I don’t know what else life has in store for me, but I’m excited to find out.”
