TOLEDO, Ohio — Washington Local Schools Superintendent Kadee Anstadt will retire this summer.
Anstadt's last day with the district will be July 31, she confirmed in a social media post Monday. She has held the position since August 2019 and notably led the district through a temporary switch to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The five-member WLS Board of Education will vote Wednesday to accept her resignation.
District spokesperson Katie Peters told WTOL 11 that Anstadt plans to work at the University of Findlay after she resigns, teaching future principals, superintendents and treasurers. She also plans to spend more time with her grandchildren.
"We are so sad to see her go but so excited for her next journey," Peters said.
WLS has about 7,000 students in its district across eight elementary schools, two junior highs and one high school.
Anstadt's planned resignation comes in the same summer WLS plans to start construction on a new middle school in west Toledo.
After Toledo City Council approved the state-funded project a month ago, Anstadt told WTOL 11 that the new school will be a game changer for the district and hopes it will bring more opportunities for kids to learn more about careers and get them excited to come to class.
"We believe that bringing our sixth, seventh and eighth (grades) together will really make a difference in achievement and in growth and just the happiness of our kids. We believe it'll improve attendance and we're just really excited to get this going," she said.
Two new WLS elementary schools were also opened under Anstadt's tenure.
Running down a list of programs created and others ways the district has grown during her tenure, Anstadt on social media thanked the WLS community for its support:
"In fact, when I look back at all of these initiatives, regardless of obstacles or growing pains, one thing has remained constant and driven each and every step: community. This community unapologetically steps up and joins hands for the benefit of our Washington Local students - the same way you did for me, five years ago. This village remains one of the strongest supporters of kids I have ever witnessed and I know you will continue to do that for generations to come. Thank you for welcoming me, offering me support in tough times and most importantly, making Every Student Matter and Every Moment Count!"