Three superintendents are leaving their posts at local schools as the year comes to a close.
Superintendent Geoff Palmer is leaving after nine years at Hopewell-Loudon Local School District, Superintendent Rebecca Heimlich is retiring after eight years at Lakota Local School District and Superintendent Paul Orshoski is resigning after five years at Bettsville Local School District.
Palmer said he thought it was time to look at other options, and he is interviewing for and looking at other positions.
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Geoff Palmer
"It's my intention to continue in education," he said.
Palmer, whose contract ends July 31, said he has countless memories of Hopewell-Loudon, and it has been a privilege for him to be part of the team while it moved forward and accomplished many things.
"There's been a lot going on. ... I have thoroughly enjoyed (the nine years)," he said.
Heimlich's last day with Lakota is July 31. She spent two years as the principal for West and Central elementary schools and six years as superintendent.
"We've covered a lot in eight years, especially with the construction of the new facility and the demolition of the other buildings," she said.
Heimlich said it is time for her to retire because the district's new building is finished, her 10th grandchild was born and she wants to write another chapter in her life. She said her plans for retirement including sitting back and enjoying her family for a while.
She said she has had some job opportunities come her way.
"It's been a fun journey (at Lakota)," she said.
Heimlich said she is going to miss the staff and students and recalled seeing students' faces when they first saw the district's new building.
"There's lots of memories with the kids," she said.
Orshoski spent his first year at Bettsville serving as the superintendent and principal and was only the superintendent for the past four years. Orshoski, who has spent 35 years in education, said he is ready to leave the field for now and has other things he wants to do, such as spend time with his grandchildren.
His contract with Bettsville ends July 31. He said his plan is to go into next school year not employed by a school district.
"Down the road, I may pursue it," he said.
Orshoski said he had worked in bigger districts and appreciated the small size of Bettsville Local School District. He said it had been an enjoyable experience.
The first year he was there, the district needed to pass a renewal income tax levy. Fortunately, he said, it passed.
"(I) was happy that that was successful early on," he said.
