Batavia Superintendent Jack Barshinger to Retire in 2013

After seven years at the helm of , Superintendent Dr. Jack Barshinger on Monday announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2012-13 school year.

“We have had many retirements over the past few years," Barshinger said in a prepared statement. "Mine is no more important or significant than any of those. However, when the superintendent retires, a process to fill the vacancy must begin early and that process impacts everyone.”

Citing the desire to spend more time with his family, Barshinger announced his plans to about 700 employees at the district’s annual Kick-Off Celebration. The Batavia School Board is expected to formally approve Dr. Barshinger’s retirement at the Aug. 28 board meeting, with an effective date of June 30, 2013.

“I wanted to reassure you that the Board of Education will soon start a search for a new superintendent," Barshinger said. "They will keep the staff and community informed about the process as it moves forward."

Serving Batavia Public Schools since 2006, Dr. Barshinger is the district’s ninth superintendent since it was formed in 1911. He has a wide variety of administrative experience in school districts in suburban Illinois, including Glen Ellyn, Winfield and DeKalb. 

“I feel honored that I will conclude my 38th year in education as a Batavia Bulldog,” Dr. Barshinger said. “We are facing many changes in education that affect all of us. I am excited to continue the important work we have begun together.”

Barshinger deferred further comment on his retirement until next week's School Board meeting. That meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Aug. 28 in the district's main office (Rosalie M. Jones Administration Center), 335 W. Wilson St.