Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals discussed his announced retirement, the district’s budget and reserves and areas of progress during his tenure and other topics Monday with media. The session came several days after the Duval County School Board told Pratt-Dannals he would not be retained once his contract expires Dec. 31. “It’s been a great ride,” he said. Pratt-Dannals said the decision was mutual and said the greater successes have been made in academic achievement and graduation during trying economic times and “ill advised” top-down changes to grading systems and intervene schools. He said he will be available to the school board as a consultant on his successor, should he be asked, but did not disclose any potential individuals he had in mind for the job. Pratt-Dannals has been the superintendent since November 2007 and began working in the school system as a math teacher in 1976.