Fayette Schools Superintendent Stu Silberman to retire in July

Fayette Schools Superintendent Stu Silberman to retire in July

After seven years as superintendent of Fayette County Schools, Stu Silberman announced Tuesday he'll be retiring later this year.

In a news release, the school district said Silberman will be retiring in July. He's been superintendent since 2004.

Silberman said he wanted to announce his decision early enough to give the Fayette County Board of Education enough time to conduct a thorough search for his successor.

"I care deeply about Fayette County and our kids and did not enter into this decision lightly," Silberman said Tuesday. "But at the same time, I am certain I must move on to this next phase of my life after 37 years of serving. I have given this a lot of thought and prayer and have come to the conclusion that I need to spend more time with my family. It is very hard to explain, but when you come to this point in your life, you just know. It's time."

When Silberman was hired, he pledged to stay ten years, offering the school district some stability.

While he's leaving after only seven years, Silberman says he's leaving the district in stable shape.

He says during his time as superintendent, Fayette County Schools drastically improved in the areas of math and reading.

Silberman said his decision had nothing to do with the difficulty of snow decisions this winter, or a call to another position.

"I have been making snow calls for more than 20 years and am used to what comes along with that job," Silberman said. "Kathy and I have been talking about this for a couple of months. There is no where other than Fayette County that I would want to be superintendent."

School board members say they'll meet soon to begin taking steps to find the next superintendent.

They want to have a screening committee formed within the next 30 days.

Kentucky law requires a superintendent screening committee to be comprised of two teachers, one board of education member, one principal, one parent, and one classified employee.

Not included in the list is Silberman himself. The law says he can't be involved in the search but will offer any advice if needed.

Board Chairman John Price says they don't have a deadline for when they plan to make the hire, but adds it would be nice if it's made before Silberman leaves.

School officials say in 2004 they lost a superintendent in February and hired a new one, Silberman, by May.