The Washoe County School District confirmed Superintendent Dr. Kristen McNeill is announcing her retirement on Thursday.
She will be retiring by the end of the school year on June 30, 2022.
In a press conference on Thursday, she said it was the right time for her and her family but the decision was not easy to make.
"You come to work every day for the best interest of the kids," Dr. McNeill said, "That's what I've done every day, it's my job and I love it... It's been very emotional."
Board of Trustees President Angela Taylor touted Dr. McNeill's accomplishments, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and plan to return to in-person learning, balancing the budget for two years, investing in school renewal projects and more.
"[She's] always been dedicated to the students and staff," Taylor said. "We're very grateful the board has plenty of notice for us to fill this role."
An agenda item will be placed on a future meeting to begin the process of searching for a new superintendent. Taylor said the Board will be transparent about that process and will be accepting input from the community and stakeholders and will be making the decision as a Board together.
Dr. McNeill said the future candidate must love Washoe County, must have a love for children and a love for the job.
"It's a heavy, heavy job," Dr. McNeill said. "I will do whatever it takes to make a smooth hand-off."
Taylor said the Board will hopefully have a new superintendent by July 2022.
