Warsaw Community Schools Corporation Superintendent Dr. Craig Hintz announced in a special meeting just minutes ago that he is retiring, effective June 30.

In his letter of retirement, Hintz stated, “It has been a source of great joy to serve the students, staff, families and patrons of the community. I will always count this chapter in my 45 years of service in public school education as one of the hallmarks of my career.”

Hintz has pledged to provide the same level of leadership in his last months as superintendent that he did on his first day with the school corporation. He also noted that he would provide his complete assistance in the transition of leadership as the board begins to sort out the process for selecting the next superintendent.

“I have great confidence that the board and leadership will continue with fidelity and commitment to ensure that all students are inspired and equipped to continuously acquire and apply knowledge and skills, while pursuing their dreams and enriching the lives of others,” stated Hintz.

In addition to announcing his retirement from WCS, Hintz also informed the board that he would decline the new, higher paid contract he was offered in January and requested to continue his existing contract with the school corporation. The school board tearfully accepted both Hintz’s letter of retirement and request to continue the rest of his tenure with his current contract.

Following the reading of his letter of retirement, Hintz stated, “I love it here, I believe that this system is a system on the move as evidence of the fine teamwork of so many in our community. We enjoy a fine reputation in our school system. I shared earlier with the board that I have, in my 45 years, not had the opportunity to work with an executive team in my cabinet like the one we have in place. We are a high performing team and I have appreciated their support and loyalty. It has meant so much.”

Hintz explained that his reason behind retiring was largely based in his wish to spend more time with his wife, children, grandchildren and other family members as well as brushing up on his golf skills, which he noted with a laugh needs much work.

“These are tough decisions to make,” stated Hintz. “My wife retired as a superintendent 4 years ago and as I shared with many, she has kind of sent me a mixed message. ‘Honey I don’t want to put any pressure on you to retire’ and then she’ll also say, ‘I can’t wait to start the next chapter of our lives together’… My parents, both deceased now, when they decided to retire they came and shared, ‘Its time, its time to start the next chapter of our lives’ and that is how I feel. I’m lighthearted and I truly appreciate the support of this board of education. We have been on a wonderful, wonderful path and I’m proud of the board’s commitment. I want to express the deepest gratitude I can to the board, they have been very kind and very supportive.

“I’ve invested hundreds of hours with students and staff since 1978,” stated Hintz. “Now I think its time to spend a lot of hours with my family members and I’m looking forward to that.”

Though the announcement was given to members of the school board in a closed executive session prior to the meeting, the feeling of shock was still palpable in the room. Many members of the school board expressed their surprise over the announcement as well as the deep level of respect and gratitude for Hintz and his numerous accomplishments as WCS Superintendent.

“I just want to say Dr. Hintz has lead us through a remarkable transformation and it has resulted in improvements that will benefit students and the local community for years to come,” stated WCS Board President Jennifer Tandy.

“The time seems to have gone by quickly, almost five years, but you have certainly brought our corporation to the top in many ways and it is hard to put into words all the emotions that I feel. I’ll miss you,” stated board member Delores Hearn tearfully.

Board member Jay Baumgartner stated, “I’d certainly like the record to show that as a board we pushed and asked if there was anything the board could do to change your mind. Obviously, you had made your decision, and I am 100 percent supportive. I tip my hat and wish you nothing but the best. I really appreciate what you’ve done for the corporation, and I think the biggest testament is seeing the look of shock and disappointment on all the faces when you announced your retirement.”

In a press release provided by the board, the board noted that since Dr. Hintz Joined WCS as superintendent of schools in 2009 he has accomplished many notable achievements through his leadership. Hintz has been a strong advocate of adopting a community-developed strategic plan, helped create a STEM Academy, full-day kindergarten, enhanced world language offerings, additional course offerings, additional Advance Placement (AP) offerings as well as the implementation of Professional Learning Communities.

Under Hintz’s leadership, WCS has also attained an “A” grade rating for two consecutive years from the Indiana Department of Education.

Tandy announced that the board is presently developing the criteria for selecting the next superintendent to lead the school corporation.