In a heartfelt letter addressed to the students of the school district, Superintendent Dr. Jeff Kyle has announced his intent to retire at the end of the 2012-2013 school year.

Dr. Kyle began his career in education in 1982 as a music teacher. He has also served as an administrator in various school districts throughout Missouri. He came to Ray-Pec in 2005 as assistant superintendent and has served as Superintendent of Schools for the last six years. In his retirement letter, Dr. Kyle shared that he could not have asked for a better place to retire. His passion for children and dedication to their success were the hallmarks of his career in education.

After expressing its appreciation for his service to the school district, the Board of Education voted to accept Dr. Kyle's retirement letter during its closed meeting on Thursday, July 19.

Board President Kim York announced the retirement during the open board meeting.

In recounting Dr. Kyle's accomplishments, she said, "He has led Ray Pec schools through several accomplishments including achieving and then maintaining the status of accredited with distinction for all six of those years, oversight of the construction of three new schools, enrollment growth of over 1,000 students, major curriculum implementations, and many other accomplishments."

"I think he would tell you that what means the most to him, what he views as his greatest accomplishment though, are not these big things, but the little things that positively impacted the life of a child. It’s those moments that I know he will treasure and remember forever."

York also addressed comments directly to Dr. Kyle. "We appreciate your dedication and commitment to the students here are Ray-Pec. We appreciate all of the time and energy that you have devoted over the years. We appreciate everything you have done for Ray-Pec. Ray Pec is a great school district, a great place for kids, you should be proud of your accomplishments here."

Board member Kyle Gillespie also thanked Dr. Kyle for his service, noting that he was the only superintendent that Gillespie had worked with as a board member.

Board member Leo Anderson said, "I appreciate and admire your passion. Thank you for your service."

The board will begin its search for the next superintendent in September and intends to engage a search firm to assist in the process.

Search firms provide assistance to School boards in managing transitions such as this. The types of service a search firm will provide include:
• A needs assessment to identify desired characteristics stakeholders would like to see in a candidate. The board wants input from staff, parents, and community. The board plans to work with the search firm to identify the best process for obtaining this input.
• A firm will help with candidate recruitment
• The search firm will present information to assist the board with candidate evaluation and screening.

To read Dr. Kyle's letter, follow the link.