Despite a sour economy, some Columbia County teachers are choosing to retire this year. But their numbers are fewer than in years past.

Nearly 50 teachers were honored during a retirement reception Tuesday at Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

"Normally, we probably have 70 to 80 teachers retire, probably closer to 80," said schools Human Resource Director Anthony Wright. "This year, we have about 35," excluding those who will continue to teach part-time.

Grovetown Elementary Principal Bob Boyd technically retired nine years ago from an Indiana school system. He later moved to Georgia and took a job in the Columbia County school system. Mr. Boyd said he worries less about a dismal economy than about what he'll do to pass the time.

"My wife is convinced I won't be able to just stay at home and not work," he said. "She's probably right, since I couldn't do it before."

Clara McAlhany doesn't intend to seek another job after her retirement as a math teacher at Evans Middle School. Once her classroom days are finished, she said, she intends to spend more time with her grandchild and her daughter, who is a NASA engineer.

"I'll be able to see the launch of the space shuttle in June, even if it's in the middle of the week," she said.

Though the future doesn't concern Mr. Boyd or Mrs. McAlhany, it does somewhat bother Mr. Wright.

Next year likely will be another light year for retirees, he said. But the year after, when the economy is expected to improve, Mr. Wright expects a mass exodus of educators.

If so many teachers retire at once, the school system might have to hire as many as 300 new teachers in a single year.

"If you're a sophomore in college studying education, things are going to be looking pretty good for you when you graduate," he said.