By Faith Isbell
Jack Donald, Rockbridge County’s superintendent of schools for more than three years, is retiring this summer.
Assistant Superintendent Phillip Thompson confirmed that the school board approved Donald’s retirement at the school board’s monthly meeting Tuesday.
“[Donald] has got well over 40 years in education,” Thompson said in a phone interview. “He’s earned the opportunity to start a new chapter in his life.”
Donald has served as superintendent since August 2013 and his contract will end June 30.
Prior to becoming superintendent, Donald served as assistant superintendent to John Reynolds, who was superintendent from 2007 to 2013. Donald also worked as director of curriculum instruction and technology for Buena Vista City Schools and as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in Amherst County.
Board Chairman David McDaniel thanked Donald on behalf of the school board in an email to all Rockbridge County Public Schools employees on Thursday.
“Under his leadership, we have made tremendous gains with respect to instruction, technology, budget development, organization, as well as many other areas,” McDaniel said in the email. “We are grateful for Dr. Donald’s steady leadership and wish him only the best as begins the next chapter of his life.”
According to the email, the school board will conduct a nationwide search for the future superintendent with the assistance of the Virginia School Boards Association.
“[The association] is credible and will do a great job,” Thompson said.
Thompson said he intends to apply as a candidate.
The school board hopes to announce its decision in early spring.