Wrangell Sentinel -

Sentinel writer

Wrangell Public Schools Superintendent Rich Rhodes will resign effective June 30.

The board voted 4-0 to accept a letter of resignation dated Dec. 16. Rhodes said the primary reason he's resigning is to return to northern California, where he lived before taking on the position of superintendent – and later the position of Evergreen Elementary School principal as part of budget constraints – in 2010.

Rhodes opted for a resignation and not a retirement because he's relatively young and still has career options ahead of him.

"I'm not old enough for retirement yet," he said. "My wife's not gonna let me sit around while she works. Wrangell's been a unique spot for us and a lot of fun."

While the twin public acknowledgement of the retirement of high school and middle school and high school activities director Monty Buness and Rhodes might seem to have happened rapidly, Buness's imminent retirement had been privately acknowledged for several months. Rhodes said he chose the period right before holiday vacation in order to give the school system enough time to bring in a replacement.

"We want to make sure that Wrangell goes out and has the opportunity to have the best shot at recruiting the best person for Wrangell," he said. "It's time to do it."

School board members spoke favorably of Rhodes's tenure as superintendent.

"I don't think he has to go," Board Vice President Rinda Howell said wistfully, moments before casting a vote to accept the letter.

Rhodes is leaving because of family concerns.

"We've decided we want to go back with our kids and family in Northern California," he said. "We want to follow the family back. We're looking forward to moving back. We enjoyed our three years in Wrangell. I just appreciate everyone that I've worked with here."

The transition out of the position of superintendent comes near Rhodes's 30th year in the education field. He started his education career aboard the USS America in 1984, leaving in 1988 with the intention of starting as a schoolteacher, but instead went to the Army Reserve to perform as a drill instructor until 1990.

Asked to extend her remarks, Howell complimented Rhodes on his performance.

"He's been very instrumental in making some tough decisions and doing a job well," she said.

In other business, the school board also voted 4-0 to accept the resignation of the girls' basketball assistant coach and to prorate her pay to the number of days she's worked.

The school board also voted 4-0 not to add a position of Elementary School Lead Teacher to assist Rhodes in an administrative capacity. The board later voted 3-1 to add the same motion for additional consideration at a later date. Board member Cyni Waddington cast the lone dissenting vote.

The board also voted 4-0 to approve a policy encouraging teachers to maintain professional dress and appearance in the classroom.