Phil Stevenson choked back tears as he submitted his resignation as superintendent of Centerville-Abington Community Schools at the school board’s meeting on Tuesday evening (Nov. 26).
Stevenson requested the board approve his request to retire on June 30, 2020.
He thanked the board for hiring him in August 1972. Stevenson has had several roles with the district through the years in teaching and administration.
“Centerville-Abington is a special place with special people,” Stevenson said in his written request to the board. “It has been an honor to teach and collaborate with such a dedicated team of teachers and staff who work tirelessly to serve students, family and our community.
“It is now time for me to move on in my life and for the school corporation to get new leadership in the school system. I wanted to let the school board know far in advance so you can get the best possible candidate for my position.”
Board members reluctantly voted 4-1 for the motion to accept his resignation. Member Renee Westover wanted to be on the record as officially voting against the motion.
Board President Brad Lambright acknowledged the group has a big task ahead to find a new superintendent, and said conversations will need to begin before the end of the year about the hiring process.
Read more on this story, such as reactions from additional board members, in the Dec. 4 edition of Western Wayne News. (The Nov. 27 print edition went to press before the board meeting).
– By Millicent Martin Emery