Superintendent of Schools Resigning to Focus on Health & Family
Superintendent's Video Message - https://youtu.be/-k55-oCUBKo
It’s with mixed emotions that I submitted my resignation as of July 15 to the Board of Education to focus on my family and personal health. I am typically a pretty private person, but understand this news will likely cause surprise and perhaps concern, and therefore will share events that have led to my decision:
- in August, I had a scare with blood clots in my legs, which fortunately were corrected
- in September, my wife suffered a stroke and life-threatening damage to her carotid artery for which we are so fortunate she is recovered from
- in December, my father passed away after living through memory loss and the challenges many families faced with senior care during COVID regulations; his memorial service is this weekend
- in April, I lost a cousin to a sudden heart attack at age 49
- and currently, my wife’s father has been in intensive care for the last two weeks
I share my personal circumstances to convey that although this was a difficult decision, it’s time. We all carry much in our daily lives and the past few years have been challenging on many fronts. We have much to be proud of as we navigated through the pandemic maintaining a focus on putting people first. We consistently came together, stayed focused, and worked the problem(s) to sustain an open, 5 day/week school experience for our students.
For now, I need to take time to put my family first, take care of my physical and mental health, and figure out what is next for me. I have always appreciated the supportive school community that I’ve loved being a part of for the last 21 years. I’m grateful for the time I’ve spent here and look forward to watching my kids benefit from our wonderful Livonia school experience as just their dad.
My family has found great joy in our new farm adventure that began over spring break – we’ve got 2 pigs, 7 sheep, and 56 chickens already! My plan is to unplug, defragment, and reconnect with my amazing family over the coming months.
Thank you to everyone in Bulldog Country for everything you do each and every day to make this such a special place to learn, live, and grow! Although I’m stepping aside, I love this community and look forward to seeing you at band concerts, on the sidelines at sporting events and at community events. As we often say at graduation, “once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.” Bulldog Proud!
Superintendent's Public Statement - https://5il.co/1ch36
Board of Education President, Dave Woodruff's Public Statement - https://5il.co/1ch39