PARKE COUNTY, Ind – Dr. Thomas Rohr, Superintendent of North Central Parke Community Schools informed the Board of School Trustees of his intention to retire at the end of the 2018-2019 school year.  Dr. Rohr read the following letter at the December 19 board meeting:

During the past 45 years I have had the privilege of working with many outstanding students, professional educators, support staff, and school board members. I have had the opportunity to oversee many changes in the teaching of children from slide rules to computers, from chalk boards to white boards, and ditto machines to copiers, and to hire many great teachers, plan for the renovation and construction on many school facilities, acknowledge the benefits of many student curricular and co-curricular groups, and cheer the success of many athletic teams.  As a building principal and district superintendent, I have presided over 60 graduation ceremonies in which I had the honor of handing a diploma to over thirteen thousand students, which will include my four daughters.   Every year has brought new challenges, some controversy, heart aches and head aches, but mostly eager young minds wanting to learn and make their mark on the world.  For that, I am grateful. 

It is now time for someone else to lead our school and community into the future.  Effective June 30, 2019, I will retire as superintendent of North Central Parke Community Schools.  As you know, one of the most important responsibilities of a school board is to employ the superintendent of schools.  I am willing to participate in as much or as little as you like to facilitate the process of hiring a new superintendent.  Over the next six months, I will continue to provide the necessary direction to finish out the 2018-2019 school year and prepare for the 2019-2020 school year as well as help in the transition for the new superintendent.

Lastly, I would like to thank the former Turkey Run board of school trustees, the former Rockville board of school trustees, and now the North Central Parke Board of School Trustees for your dedication to the children in our community and for your support in allowing me to lead our school district.

Dr. Rohr has served as a superintendent for 35 years in small rural and mid-sized districts in central Indiana as well as a large urban district near Louisville.  Prior to the superintendent’s position, he was principal of Brownsburg High School and North Knox High School.  After retirement, Dr. Rohr plans to enjoy spending time with his wife, Sheila, and his four daughters and their families.