TOLEDO, Ohio — The Washington Local School Board of Education voted to approve the resignation of Superintendent Kadee Anstadt on Wednesday.
The district's leader announced earlier this week her plans to step away for the purpose of retirement. Now, she's reflecting on her time with the district and what she feels were successes during her tenure.
"It's been a great five years," Anstadt said. "It went really, really quickly, that's for sure."
Many things have been accomplished for Washington Local under Anstadt's leadership, including building two new elementary schools, and now a new middle school is coming in 2026.
Outside of the classroom, Anstadt helped the district forge a program with the YMCA to provide swim lessons for elementary students.
"There aren't a lot of things that we could do that we could pinpoint a minute and we can say 'that's going to save his or her life someday,'" Anstadt said. "But being in the pool at that partnership with the Y has been probably one of the most powerful things I've done in my career."
Tammy Rober has had kids go through the Washington Local Schools and has been very involved in the district.
"I think that she's done a wonderful job and I'm very surprised that she is retiring," Rober said.
During her time, she has helped pick up the pieces and helped refine and rebuild Washington Local.
"I feel like that's something I do pretty well is encourage people," Anstadt said. "So that's all I did was come in and encourage people for five years and it's been just a great five years to do it."
When it comes to her favorite memories, community was at the forefront.
"I think the standout memories all revolve around community and how this particular community comes together and loves on our kids," said Anstadt.
Anstadt says she will cherish the experiences she had as a superintendent.
"The experiences that our kids get, whether it's the opera or it's Friday night football or it's the theater or it's an amazing music program or it's a STEM program that really didn't exist five years ago and now is really all people are talking about," Anstadt said.
As for what's next for Anstadt, she plans on spending more time with her family and keeping busy.
"I'm heading to the University of Findlay to prepare new superintendents, principals and treasurers for leadership, so I think it's kind of legacy work," Anstadt said. "It's a way for me to continue to contribute to the education profession and I'm looking forward to joining that staff soon."
A motion to accept the resignation of Anstadt was unanimously approved by the Washington Local Schools board during a meeting Wednesday night.
During the meeting, Anstadt emphasized that she would still be in the role leading the district until July 31.
"So no dirt on my grave yet," Anstadt said.