Dr. Tom Edington at a recent school board meeting.

By Tim Ashley
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Confirmation has been received Dr. Tom Edington, superintendent of the Wawasee Community School Corporation, will step away from his position at the end of this year to begin transitioning for his retirement.

Two sources who wished to remain anonymous confirmed an email was sent to staff members Monday, Nov. 23, saying Dr. Edington would step away effective Jan. 1. One person said the email did not contain any specific information such as when the retirement would actually occur.

Edington was appointed as superintendent by the school board in December 2007 and officially began Feb. 1, 2008.

He released the following letter Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 24:

“Dear Warrior Community,

“As the superintendent of Wawasee Community Schools for 13 years, I have had the privilege and great fortune to work with a forward thinking and supportive Board of School Trustees, a knowledgeable, extremely professional, student-centered administrative team, and a dedicated, collaborative group of teachers and staff who always put the best interest of students at the top of their agendas.

“As the holidays near, Thanksgiving is a time to take stock of the gifts we have been given. Doing that this year has helped me address my own future. I will be transitioning from the superintendent position at the end of December in preparation for retirement. Some of you may recall that I began my journey at Wawasee Community Schools in January of 2008. I am very grateful to this community and your embrace of my family. You have welcomed us with open arms and made us feel a part of this close community.

“COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on our community and our schools. As many of you may be aware, I am entering my third two-week quarantine period as directed by the local health department. I am fortunate to have personally maintained good health, but have spent time focusing on the future. I have spoken to the Board of School Trustees about my decision and will make my Dec. 31, 2020, retirement official at the Dec. 8, 2020, board meeting.

“In the near term, I’m excited for three weeks of great learning for our children leading to Christmas break. For the longer term, the plan will be to keep my mind and body healthy while I work to serve others. Like all of you, my passion has always been doing what’s best for kids and I look forward to working next to all of you as a fellow community member in the pursuit of bright futures for all students at Wawasee Community Schools.

“Thank you again, Warrior Nation. I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead this district and hope that in some small way I had a positive impact on our children. My family will forever be grateful for all of the wonderful memories. I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays.”