Big changes are in the making for the city of Brookhavenfollowing the announced departures of three important leaders.

Mayor Bill Godbold last week confirmed speculation that he isresigning from the city’s top leadership position. The resignationis effective April 1 and will keep Godbold from finishing his sixthnon-consecutive term as mayor.

In his years of service, Godbold’s most visible accomplishmentcould be his role in the development of the Mississippi School ofthe Arts, which opened last year on the Whitworth Collegecampus.

Although the mayor eyed the campus as the site for acontroversial new city hall and secured a $3.5 million bond issuefor that purpose, the donation of that money and the land helpedconvince state officials to locate the arts school here. Godbold’sefforts, as well as those of a united community, can have positivestatewide effects for years to come.

On another education-related note, the Brookhaven SchoolDistrict has begun looking for a new superintendent as Dr. SamBounds’ plans to depart at the end of June. After 10 years with thedistrict, Bounds is leaving to become executive director of thestate superintendents association.

During Bounds’ time in Brookhaven, the school district has grownboth academically and structurally.

Many of Brookhaven’s academic programs have been recognized asbeing among the best in the state. Building renovations andimprovements, including those at Brookhaven Elementary School,Alexander Junior High and Brookhaven High School, have madedistrict facilities top-notch.

Also last week, City Clerk Iris Rudman announced her resignationeffective April 12.

Rudman has kept a close eye on city finances during her 19 yearsin office. She leaves the city in sound financial position and alegacy of good constituent service for her successor to follow.

Brookhaven voters will elected a new mayor and city clerk duringan upcoming special election.

We wish Godbold, Bounds and Rudman Smith all the best in theirfuture endeavors.