Stephen Twitchell plans to retire as schools superintendent in the Lake Park-Audubon, Minn., School District this summer.
The longtime administrator said he's decided to take a break from working after 36 years in public education.
"I'll miss the people, the kids, the decision making and the chance to lead," the 59-year-old said Thursday. Twitchell has been superintendent at Lake Park-Audubon for eight years.
Prior to that, the former social studies teacher served as superintendent in Houston, Minn., for four years.
Twitchell led Lake Park-Audubon through a difficult consolidation process in 1999. Two previous attempts to merge the districts failed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Twitchell lists the consolidation as his biggest accomplishment during his tenure.
"It was a struggle to say the least," he said. "A lot of people worked really hard to make it happen."
Twitchell's resignation will take effect June 30. Afterward, he plans to take a month off and may consider teaching at the college level.
"I'm also going to be a grandfather for the first time in the next few weeks," Twitchell said. "My wife and I would like to spend time with our new grandchild."
School officials have started looking for a permanent replacement for Twitchell.
A screening committee will review Wednesday a list of 16 candidates who've applied for the superintendent's post.
The committee will narrow the list and interview final candidates Dec. 7.
A decision on hiring a new superintendent could be made after the Dec. 7 meeting, Twitchell said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Readers can reach Forum reporter Cole Short at (701) 241-5557
