(UPDATED, 9:40 a.m. Tuesday, with no comment from Szymoniak.)
Glen Szymoniak is leaving the McCall-Donnelly Joint School District “to seek employment elsewhere” — and with a cash settlement in hand.
Szymoniak stepped down on Dec. 19, after the district entered into a settlement agreement with its superintendent. A district news release doesn’t say why Szymoniak is leaving, and is shy on other details — saying only that the settlement agreement was “in the best interests of the school district and Mr. Szymoniak.” However, the McCall Star-News says the agreement totaled $165,000.
In an email Monday afternoon, Szymoniak declined comment. “(I) wish I could help you on this. Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to discuss this matter at this time.”
Szymoniak has been the district’s superintendent since 2008. Jim Foudy, principal of McCall’s Barbara R. Morgan Elementary School, will take over as superintendent on an interim basis.
Here, in full, is the district’s Dec. 19 news release.
“On this date, the Board of Trustees of McCall-Donnelly School District #421 entered into a settlement agreement with current Superintendent Glen Szymoniak, in the best interests of the school district and Mr. Szymoniak. The Board of Trustees expresses its gratitude for Mr. Szymoniak’s service to the district and the great progress the district made under his leadership.
“During the past six years, Superintendent Szymoniak has promoted technological advances through implementation of 21st Century Learning in all schools and earned five- and four-star school ratings. During his administration, McCall-Donnelly High School achieved National Advanced Placement Honor Roll status and was recognized nationally through Newsweek as a top 1,000 school in the U.S. for five consecutive years. Mr. Szymoniak completed construction and remodel of all school buildings under budget. He was also successful in upgrading the district’s bond rating then refinanced the bonds, saving taxpayers over $1 million.
“The School Board recognizes Mr. Szymoniak for his accomplishments and dedication to the district. The board supports his decision to seek employment elsewhere. Mr. Szymoniak will be staying on with the district until January 1, 2015 and assisting Interim Superintendent Jim Foudy with a smooth, successful transition.”
