34-years after assuming the role, InsideLowell has learned that Paul Georges has decided not to seek an 18th consecutive two-year term as United Teachers of Lowell President.

The former Lowell High teacher, who has also served as President of the Merrimack Valley Labor Council since 2002, notified the Boards at both organizations of his decision to retire at the end of the school year in June.

“It’s time to get to know my grandkids in Florida better,” Georges said in a phone call this afternoon.

Georges defeated incumbent UTL President Tom Grady in 1992 and has been a fierce advocate for his members ever since.

When he first assumed the helm, Georges says starting teacher pay in Lowell was $22,000 per year, paraprofessionals earned $5 per hour and the top paid employee, a PhD, collected only $34,000. Today, teachers earn $66,000 to start, paras are paid $33,000 annually and the top level makes well over $100,000.

“There’s an old saying, some people climb the mountain to see the world while others climb so they can be seen,” Georges said. “Don’t vote for the people who want to be seen. Vote for those who turn the wheel and make it work.”

Georges anticipates staying active through his final days, which are expected to include a challenging budget process and even talk of privatizing some component of custodial services in Lowell Public Schools.

When asked who was likely to succeed him at the helm, he pointed to a strong leadership team currently in place, saying there are a number of qualified candidates.