Paul Turner, Austin ISD executive director of facilities, met with reporters April 25 to discuss his plans to retire at the end of June.

The 40-year district employee denied any connection between his decision to retire and the upcoming $892 million bond election May 11.

"It would break my heart if there was a situation where people drew the conclusion that I was making the decision in any way related to the bond. It really doesn't have anything to do with the bond. It was all about giving notice [to AISD]," he said.

Turner said he has been considering retirement for a few years and that it would be a logical transition point to leave before the implementation of a new bond, if voters approve it on Election Day.

"I wanted to work through this year doing as much work on this bond," he said. "By staying to the end of the implementation of this bond, I would be [older than age] 70. I didn't want to do that."

As for future plans, Turner said he has considered volunteering and spending more time with his grandson. He didn't rule out a return to AISD; he said he has inquired into working in the district on a part-time basis.

Turner began his career with the district as an instruction administration intern in 1973.

He served as principal of Dobie Middle School from 1977-1984 and Lanier High School from 1984-1993.

Turner made the jump to district administrator in the 1990s. He has served in his current role as executive director of facilities since 2004.