MANSFIELD -- Superintendent John Moretti, one of the area's longest-serving school chiefs, will retire in October.

Moretti said he then will serve as interim superintendent until July 2007, when his successor will take over.

Moretti, 57, will be in his 10th year leading Mansfield's schools when he retires on Oct. 3, the day after his 58th birthday.

The Wrentham resident took over the Mansfield schools in July 1997, succeeding Donald Nicoletti, who left after four years.

At the time, Moretti had been superintendent in North Smithfield, R.I., for four years and previously was head football coach at Foxboro High School. Moretti said Tuesday night that he will maximize his retirement benefits by retiring in the fall.

Moretti told the school committee of his plans Tuesday night, fulfilling what he said was a requirement of his contract.

`` It's time,'' he said he said afterward. `` I've had a great opportunity here. The people have been just so supportive. But you have to know when it's time to go.''

School committee Chairman Michael Trowbridge said the board will negotiate an interim superintendent's contract with Moretti to `` give us enough time to find a replacement for him.''

`` It's been a great run, though, hasn't it?'' Trowbridge said.

`` It's not over,'' Moretti said. `` I prefer to think of it that way. It's not over.''