Former superintendent Bottom passes away at 92

Monroe Public Schools is saddened to report the loss of former superintendent Ray Bottom, who passed away his morning at the age of 92.

“We are saddened to hear of Mr. Bottom’s passing,” Monroe Public Schools Superintendent Julie Everly said. “Mr. Bottom was a pillar of the Monroe Public Schools community for a number of years, both at a building and district level. His work paved the way for the growth of the district in the decades after his time as superintendent as we are thankful for his service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Bottom spent 7 years teaching in Kentucky and Ohio before joining Custer Junior High School in 1958. He went on to be the principal of Waterloo, South Monroe Townsite, and Lincoln before joining central administration in 1969 as the Director of Comprehensive Education and then Administrative Assistant of Elementary Education in 1971. Bottom was named assistant superintendent in 1973 before taking over as superintendent in 1978.

 “I have tried to do my best as your Superintendent with the talents given to me,” Bottom wrote in his letter to the Board of Education announcing his retirement in 1985. “I am proud that our school district is in good health and in the position to grow even stronger.”

Bottom’s wife, Linda, also taught in Monroe Public Schools, spending 1968-1973 at Lincoln Elementary.