Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw Community Schools will spend the summer deciding on a new superintendent.
Dr. Lee Harman, who has been WCS superintendent for 10 years, offered the board his letter of retirement/resignation Monday, which the board unanimously accepted.
In the letter, which Harman read aloud at the meeting, he said: "For some time, I have been giving thought to my future with WCS. I am now completing my 36th year in education, 34 of which have been with the Warsaw Community Schools. During this time, I have served as a classroom teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and am now completing my 10th year as superintendent of schools. Serving the children of our community is a privilege, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given in this regard.
"After much contemplation, I have determined that it is time that I retire and turn the leadership of the school district over to someone else. Therefore, I am resigning my position as superintendent of schools, effective Aug. 1, 2002.
"I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with a quality staff, dedicated school board members and a caring community. I am very grateful to all those people who have worked hard to make the Warsaw Community Schools a great place for children to learn. Thank you for the steadfast support you as a board have provided me. It has been my distinct honor to have served as your superintendent. ..."
The board, which had an executive session to discuss personnel issues before the public meeting, was not surprised by Harman's announcement, but board members expressed their regret.
"It's been an honor for him to be our superintendent and for him to have stayed in the position as long as he has," said board member Larry Chamberlain.
Chamberlain also expressed appreciation for Harman's dedication, commitment to the community and for "keeping the spirit of unity permeating throughout the system. ..."
Roy Szymanski said he would miss the candid conversations he has with Harman, and that there is a lot of respect for Harman throughout the community.
"His parents did a good job raising him," Szymanski said. "He's moral, he's ethical, he's just a good guy."
And board president Craig Allebach lauded Harman's sincere concern for students.
"This man has a real heart for kids," Allebach said. "He always says 'keep the main thing the main thing,' and the main thing is our kids. He's a leader, he's a man of integrity. ..."
The board unanimously accepted Harman's resignation with regret and appreciation, and approved assistant superintendent Dr. Dave McGuire as acting superintendent.
Allebach said the position vacancy will be posted today, both inside and outside the school system, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Screening of applicants will begin July 8, and a new superintendent will be appointed as soon as possible. The new superintendent is expected to begin his or her duties no later than Sept. 1.
