Nanaimo will lose its superintendent of schools at the end of this year.
Michael Munro plans to retire after the end of this current school year. The district replaced the secretary-treasurer last fall, with Phil Turin stepping into the job after David Green left for the same position in Langley.
Munro has worked in education for 31 years, including 23 in Nanaimo-Ladysmith. He started his teaching career in Kimberley, B.C. and came to Ladysmith Secondary in 1988.
In addition to his five years as superintendent, he also served as acting superintendent and assistant superintendent of educational programs.
“It has been my great pleasure to serve the students of SD68 and the Board as Superintendent and CEO, and it is now time to move forward with plans for retirement from K-12 Public Education in British Columbia," Munro said in a press release. "My reasons are entirely personal and reflect my wish to provide only my very best energy and enthusiasm to the Board, all of our staff, and our students. I will now move on and begin a new phase in my life.”
School board chairwoman Sharon Welch said the board will announce its plans soon for a process to fill the position of superintendent.
“The board and the district are very fortunate to have had Mr. Munro’s services as superintendent for the past five years," Welch said. "He has provided strong, collaborative, ethical leadership and has led us through difficult times with great skill and insight. We are very sorry to see him leave, but we understand his reasons and his desire to move on to a new phase in his life.”