Superintendent turnover has been making headlines over the last few years. The good news is that superintendents on the move are most likely to leave of their own volition—and most often by retiring.
To help keep track of colleagues who are calling it a K12 career, District Administration is maintaining a running list of superintendents who have announced their intention to retire.
Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Paul Gausman announced he will retire at the end of December after a long career as an administrator. Prior to taking the helm in Lincoln in 2022, Gausman had served as superintendent of Iowa’s Sioux City Community Schools.
“I have determined that while 20 years in the public eye as a superintendent of schools has been vastly rewarding, it is time for me to explore other opportunities,” Gausman said in his resignation letter.
In North Carolina, Superintendent Marvin Connelly, Jr. will retire from Cumberland County Schools in July after six years at the helm and 34 years in public education.
The district credits Connelly—who spoke with District Administration in 2023—with “incredible milestones,” including higher graduation rates, a reduction in low-performing schools, and stronger family and community partnerships.
More December retirements:
All retirements were announced for the end of the 2024-25 school year, unless noted.
- Carol Cavanaugh, Hopkinton Public School District (Massachusetts)
- Barry Collins will retire from the Onslow County School District (North Carolina) on March 1
- Kristin Heckt, Bolton Public Schools (Connecticut)
- Steve Laatsch, Saline Area Schools (Michigan)
- Scott Spence will retire from Glynn County Schools (Georgia) after 35 years in the district in various roles.
- Robert Sutter, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District (New Jersey)
- Terry Walker will retire from the Irvine Unified School District (California) on Jan. 31, 2025
Superintendent retirements (Nov. 15)
All retirements were announced for the end of the 2024-25 school year, unless noted.
- Martin Brewer, Port Angeles School District (Washington)
- Jeff Burke, Splendora ISD (Texas)
- Dennis Coe, Dothan City Schools (Alabama)
- Tim Forson, St. Johns County School District (Florida)
- Sean Kirksey, Camdenton R-III School District (Missouri)
- Joseph Kovalchik, Northampton Area School District (Pennsylvania)
- Barbara Malkas, North Adams Public Schools (Massachusetts)
- Craig McCarthy will retire from Thornapple Kellog Schools (Michigan) on Dec. 31
- Jeanne Osterfeld will retire from Parkway Local Schools (Ohio) on Dec. 31
- Ravo Root, Camden Central School District (New York)
- Tom Venable, Methow Valley School District (Washington)
- Kim Wilbanks, Jonesboro Public Schools (Arkansas)
