Spencerport School Superintendent to retire June 30

Spencerport Central School District Superintendent Phillip W. Langton will retire at the end of the 2004-05 academic year.

"This was a difficult decision because I love my job and I love this district, but after 36 years in education, I've decided that it's time to leave," he said. "The time to leave any job is when you're on top and I believe this district is in great shape. We have established a strong instructional focus, labor harmony, a very talented workforce and great facilities, and we are in a very secure financial position. We are also fortunate to have an extremely positive relationship with our community."

Langton joined the district in 2001 as superintendent and has spent a total of 36 years in school systems throughout New York state. During his tenure, Langton presided over a successful $46 million capital project that included a new elementary school, expansion of the athletic facilities, and major additions to the middle and high schools. In addition, the district created a comprehensive Strategic Plan and embarked on a School-Wide Enrichment program to enhance students' educational experiences, according to a district press release.

"While the board is disappointed in Phill's decision to retire, we respect and appreciate the fact that he has worked with us on a plan that allows the district to transition to a new superintendent at the end of the school year," said Board of Education President Laura McFarlane, speaking on behalf of the board. "Phill's tenure in the district has introduced many new and exciting opportunities for our students and he will be missed. We expect to make this a smooth transition, maintain the momentum already in place with the strategic plan, and work with the community to identify Phill's successor.

Langton said he gave the eight months' notice so that the district will have time to complete a search process and hire a new superintendent before July 1. That will avoid the necessity of an interim superintendent. The board has begun to discuss various options for conducting the search for a new superintendent, according to the press release.