Wawasee's Smith Plans To Resign
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
SYRACUSE - Wawasee Schools Superintendent Henry Smith apologized for his outburst last week during a board meeting and then announced his resignation.
Smith, who became superintendent three years ago and has been with the school system for more than 20 years, made the announcement at the end of Tuesday's board meeting.
Smith said his decision to step down was not related to last week's incident; he said he had been considering it for more than a year.
Last week's spat occurred at the end of the meeting when board member John Weiss was commending another board member on his tenure. In part, he told the board member he appreciated the fact he was more than a "cheerleader."
That irritated Smith, who believed it was an indirect attack aimed at him.
Smith stood up and moved toward Weiss until another administrator stepped between the two. At about the same time, the meeting was adjourned.
Smith told board members Tuesday his actions were a spontaneous reaction in which his personality overtook his role as superintendent.
He apologized to the board for any embarrassment he might have caused.
He also offered words of apology to Weiss "If I misinterpreted" his comments.
Smith said he has been discussing retirement with his family for about a year, and addressed the issue three months ago in an interview with the Times-Union.
He said he had lost the energy and motivation needed for the job.
Smith was part of the committee that planned construction of Wawasee High School, where he served as principal for 14 years. He worked as assistant superintendent for five years before replacing Dr. Roger Thornton as superintendent.
He spoke well of the school system and said he believes he's leaving the system in good hands.
An effective date has not been set, and Smith said that could be negotiated to best serve the school district.
Board president Carol Swartzendruber said she received an official letter of resignation Tuesday and was "quite surprised" by Smith's announcement.
She thanked Smith for his years of dedication and said he was always a strong backer of the school system.
Weiss then thanked Smith for his comments concerning the Aug. 20 meeting, and reiterated that he had not intended any snide insinuations last week.
Officials didn't discuss plans for a search for a new superintendent.
The board, prior to Smith's announcement, passed the district's $22 million budget for 1997.
The budget represents roughly a 4.7 percent increase. [[In-content Ad]]
SYRACUSE - Wawasee Schools Superintendent Henry Smith apologized for his outburst last week during a board meeting and then announced his resignation.
Smith, who became superintendent three years ago and has been with the school system for more than 20 years, made the announcement at the end of Tuesday's board meeting.
Smith said his decision to step down was not related to last week's incident; he said he had been considering it for more than a year.
Last week's spat occurred at the end of the meeting when board member John Weiss was commending another board member on his tenure. In part, he told the board member he appreciated the fact he was more than a "cheerleader."
That irritated Smith, who believed it was an indirect attack aimed at him.
Smith stood up and moved toward Weiss until another administrator stepped between the two. At about the same time, the meeting was adjourned.
Smith told board members Tuesday his actions were a spontaneous reaction in which his personality overtook his role as superintendent.
He apologized to the board for any embarrassment he might have caused.
He also offered words of apology to Weiss "If I misinterpreted" his comments.
Smith said he has been discussing retirement with his family for about a year, and addressed the issue three months ago in an interview with the Times-Union.
He said he had lost the energy and motivation needed for the job.
Smith was part of the committee that planned construction of Wawasee High School, where he served as principal for 14 years. He worked as assistant superintendent for five years before replacing Dr. Roger Thornton as superintendent.
He spoke well of the school system and said he believes he's leaving the system in good hands.
An effective date has not been set, and Smith said that could be negotiated to best serve the school district.
Board president Carol Swartzendruber said she received an official letter of resignation Tuesday and was "quite surprised" by Smith's announcement.
She thanked Smith for his years of dedication and said he was always a strong backer of the school system.
Weiss then thanked Smith for his comments concerning the Aug. 20 meeting, and reiterated that he had not intended any snide insinuations last week.
Officials didn't discuss plans for a search for a new superintendent.
The board, prior to Smith's announcement, passed the district's $22 million budget for 1997.
The budget represents roughly a 4.7 percent increase. [[In-content Ad]]