Dover schools superintendent to retire [The York Dispatch, Pa.]

Oct. 09--Several Dover Area School Board members' voices were barely audible when they unanimously voted to accept the retirement of superintendent Robert Krantz.

Krantz, 58, is retiring, effective Jan. 6. He gave the district a 90-day notice -- in accordance to his contract requirement -- that was accepted by the board Monday.

"This is my 37th year in public education and my seventh year as superintendent for this school district," Krantz said after the meeting. "There are other things I would like to do. I was able to achieve a lot of things with the district and I believe it can continue moving forward (with) different leadership."

During the meeting, board president Bryan Rhem said that Krantz will continue receiving health insurance until the end of the school year.

Board member Rob McIlvaine addressed both Krantz and the audience as he explained why he sadly voted "yes" to approve Krantz's retirement.

"I feel this is a very unfortunate development in the school district's history in light of the contributions Dr. Krantz has made," McIlvaine said. "You've done an extraordinary job. This is his wish and we will grant it with deep regret."

Stability: After the meeting, Rhem said the board will meet with the district solicitor to develop a plan and timeline for finding the next superintendent and to decide how the district

will be led after Krantz leaves.

Rhem said Krantz brought a "very calm demeanor and a long period of stability to the district." Rhem added that the board is committed to "keeping the ship on course" after Krantz leaves.

Krantz successfully led staff contract negotiations and provided "collaboration time" for teachers so they could discuss best practices for their classrooms, Rhem said.

"(Krantz has) forgone his own salary increase so we can put back more money for the kids' education," Rhem said. "Not a lot of superintendents would do that when they know there are struggles with the budget."

Students: Both Rhem and McIlvaine credited Krantz with helping keep students in the district and the community through the district's alternative education program.

By doing so, Krantz also changed the district's expulsion program, they said. There had been 26 expulsion hearings when Krantz started leading the district. Over the past five years, the district has had one hearing, according to Krantz.

Krantz also led the district through major facility renovation projects that were part of the redistricting of its elementary schools.

With his retirement, Krantz also will leave his post as superintendent of record for the , which provides people another chance to complete their high school education and receive their diplomas.

The retiring superintendent said he is proud to be a part of the success stories of academy graduates who have gone on to higher education, military service and other careers.

Krantz said serving Dover district students also has been a great experience for him.

"I want to see the district continue moving forward and working hard for our students, for their future," he said. "Student success, that's the first thing we should be concerned about."

--Reach Eyana Adah McMillan at [email protected].

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