DE SOTO, Kan. – Three district administrators, including the superintendent, handed in their resignation during a DeSoto USD 232 Board of Education meeting Thursday.
Board members accepted the resignation of Superintendent Sharon Zoellner, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Services Bret Church and Director of Special Services Susan Sipe.
In a letter sent to staff Friday morning, Zoellner said she believes the board is moving in a direction that is “diametrically opposed to what is best for the students, staff and patrons of this school district,” adding she was commited to working with the board to ensure a smooth transition.
“These last 20 years, six as Superintendent, have been the most rewarding of my professional career,” Zoellner said. “It is the wonderful people with whom I have been able to work that mean so much to me.”
District spokesman Alvie Cater says Zoellner will complete her contract and work through the school year.
Zoellner’s resignation came as a surprise to the board, Cater said.
Later Friday, the Louisburg School District announced they have hired Zoellner to become their new superintendent, effective July 1, 2009.
"I am very excited," Zoellner said. "I have watched the Louisburg district from afar for the last five, six, seven years, and I've always been intrigued with the academic performance of the students, which is directly related to the quality of the educators providing the services in the classroom."
