Often called the gatekeeper of the school system, Director of Public Information Linda Roan is retiring after 17 years of service.

As the clocked ticked last week, Roan had mixed feelings about leaving the career job she loves.

She has served with three superintendents and seen many changes in technology and in the St. Tammany School System during that time. In talking about her job, Roan said she has never been the type of person who could work just anywhere. She has to believe in the organization or the product she is representing, and she said she believes deeply in the public school system in St. Tammany, as much now as when she started.

Roan, originally from Jackson, Miss., has two sons who were educated in St. Tammany Parish. When her husband was transferred to New Orleans, she had been working for the economic development office for the state of Mississippi. She was expecting their second child and decided to take some time off to become more acclimated to the city.

As time went on she heard the Northshore had a great school system and was a wonderful place to raise a family. She and a friend decided to investigate and took a day trip that changed her life.

It was 1986 when she visited Mandeville Middle School and met Gayle Sloan, at that time the school’s assistant principal. She was impressed by the candor in which Sloan discussed the problems being experienced in the parish that caused some children to be located in portable classrooms. Roan also liked the parental involvement and volunteer aspect of the school.

Roan was impressed, and the family moved to St. Tammany. She continued to volunteer in various capacities with different groups, including her children’s schools, then wrote the public information officer of the school system offering her services as a consultant. When that position became available, she applied for and got the job.

Since then, Roan said, each day has been different.

“If I have 12 things on my to-do list and get two accomplished, it’s a good day,” she said.

In addition to media releases and press packets, Roan ‘s job is all-encompassing, from planning the education booth at the St. Tammany Parish Fair, all publications, brochures, information packets on programs, policies, handbooks, managing the Web site, contacting the media, the Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Foundation, tours for visitors from other school systems, exchange programs for teachers and the Kelly Cook grant program.

Although taking to the media is an everyday occurrence, it is not her only duty, but only a small part of her job.

Always available, professional and mild-mannered, she has graced the computer, phone lines and School Board meetings with equal anticipation and perfection.