The desktop computer is gone, the bookcase has been cleared of nearly all of its books and assorted objects of significance, and Tom Burke can’t even find a pen in his desk.

The chancellor of the Kern Community College District is in his final full week on the job, and moving day should be a snap. Burke, who has been either chief financial officer or chief executive of the three-college district for the past 20 years, appears to be already half-packed. He is a lame duck, so to speak, as opposed to one of the healthy ducks in the painting he has just reminded himself he must pluck from the wall on his way out the door.

Robert Price is a journalist for KGET-TV. His column appears here Sundays. Reach him at RobertPrice@KGET.com or via Twitter: @stubblebuzz. The opinions expressed are his own.