Webster City Schools Superintendent Mike Sherwood announced his resignation Monday evening during a meeting of the Webster City School Board of Education.

“It was just that time in my career,” said Sherwood. “It’s been 41 years. I’ve served here 14 years. People say you just wake up one day and you know and that day happened.”

Sherwood will be retiring at the end of the current contract year. His resignation will be effective at the end of the contract day on Saturday, June 30, 2018.

“It’s been a great 14 years and I appreciate everything,” said Sherwood.

In a letter that was distributed to members of the board Monday evening, Sherwood stated the following: “Good schools are not possible without the support of parents, community members, and students. Over the years it remains clear that parents who recognize the importance of a quality education, a community that supports its schools and students that are committed to taking advantage of the educational opportunities provided to them is the foundation for success. A sincere thank you to parents, students and the community for your support.”

Members of the board thanked Sherwood for his time spent as superintendent.

“I know it probably couldn’t have been an easy decision to make,” said board member Michelle Walters.

“No. I think it was more difficult because it’s the end of a career,” said Sherwood. “It’s been really, a great experience and I thank all of you for your support over the years.”

“You’ve done a great job,” said Beth Van Diest, board president.

“How would we hire or look at someone to come in and do our superintendent survey?”asked board member Rich Stroner.

“I would recommend that you call a special board meeting and have people come in as quick as you can to do a presentation,” Sherwood said. “I think it would be good for you to get started sooner, rather than later, even if you have to schedule a special meeting to get someone here for a presentation. I would recommend that.”

The next informal board meeting with the Stratford and Northeast Hamilton School Districts will be held in Stratford on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 4:30 p.m. in the media center.

Board members Rich Stroner and Michelle Walters volunteered to attend the informal meeting.

This is the second of three informal board meetings to be held this quarter. The third meeting will be held in Blairsburg in April.

The Area Education Agency Board will meet on Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the media center in Blairsburg. This meeting concerns the public hearing for acting on the petition for reorganization of Northeast Hamilton and Webster City School Districts.

The board approved two early retirement applications: AnNyce Hoff, Title 1 teacher at Sunset Heights, and Eva Powers, school nurse for the district.

The board also approved three resignations: AnNyce Hoff, Title 1 teacher at Sunset Heights, Eva Powers, school nurse for the Webster City School District, and Mike Sherwood, Superintendent, effective June 30, 2018.

A special education contract with Mason City Schools was also approved by the board.

The board approved budget timelines and procedures for the 2019 fiscal year.

To prepare the valuations for Northeast Hamilton, Stratford and Webster City, members will attend a Feb. 6 workshop.

“Our plan is to have the first meeting in March be the first presentation to you as a board,” said Sherwood. “The second meeting in March would be the public hearing and approval of the budget for fiscal year 2019. Then we would have to file the budget with county auditors by Monday, April 16.”

Two items on Monday evening’s original agenda were tabled: A real estate gift agreement with Van Diest Medical Center and taxable valuations for the 2019 fiscal year.

Board vice president Juli Jaycox was absent.

The next school board meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. at the school administration office building, 820 Des Moines St.