Over the past five years, the Coupeville School District passed a bond that paid for a new high school, instituted the Cedar Program, and made improvements to student achievement.

The person who headed the schools during this period is moving on.

Bill Myhr, who has been superintendent since 2002, is resigning effective June 30. He is heading to Arizona to become superintendent of the Fountain Hills School District, which serves 2,500 students.

In making the announcement, Myhr highlighted the district’s accomplishments during his five-year tenure. He also complimented the staff that he worked with over the years.

“I’m very proud of what we achieved,” Myhr said.

In 2004, voters approved a bond that financed construction of a new high school that will replace the old one. Construction of that high school continues and it should be ready in time for the 2007-2008 school year.

In addition the school district made changes to improve student learning.

Myhr pointed out the critical friends program and learning communities. Such programs will help ensure improvements in the future.

“We’ve put things in place to continue improving,” Myhr said.

The Cedar Program, which provides support for homeschooling families, started several months into Myhr’s first year in the district. The program has helped reconnect the school district with homeschoolers.

School Board President Kathleen Anderson said that Myhr also helped improve the district’s financial situation and has helped build the fund balance over the years.

“Some good things have happened during Bill’s term,” Anderson said.

Myhr was hired to replace Suzanne Bond, who had retired. Prior to coming to Coupeville, he worked in the Elma School District where he was superintendent for three years and high school principal for five years.

He has two daughters attending Coupeville schools. Anna is a sophomore at Coupeville High School and Katie is an eighth grader at Coupeville Middle School. Myhr’s wife, Sandy, is a substitute teacher and an English paper reader in the Oak Harbor School District.

Myhr’s position in Arizona marks the first time in his career that he left Washington for a job.

School officials are beginning the process to find Myhr’s replacement. Anderson said the school district will hire a consultant to help with the superintendent search.

She said she is calling potential consultants this week and the school board should approve a contract proposal during its April 23 meeting.

The Coupeville School Board will hold a special meeting today, April 11, at the Coupeville Elementary School Conference Room to interview consultants for the superintendent search. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

Myhr’s contract with the Coupeville School District expires June 30 and Anderson said a replacement should be hired by then.