Springfield Schools chief resigns, citing family reasons

5/6/2014

Springfield Local Schools Superintendent Kathryn Hott announced today that she is leaving the school district, citing personal family reasons. 

Ms. Hott declined to comment on her sudden retirement, which will be effective May 31. In a written statement, she cited her eligibility for the State Teachers Retirement System. She said the school board had not asked for her to leave the district.

"My 26 years with Springfield Local Schools have been wonderful," she said in the statement. "I love the students, staff, families, and community. It has been an honor to be part of this great system."

Assistant Superintendent Mike O'Shea will take over as interim superintendent effective June 1. Mr. O'Shea has been with the district since 1999, first as an assistant principal at Springfield Middle School. He later served as principal at Springfield High School, and district director of curriculum and instruction. He has been assistant superintendent since April 2008.

School board President Sherri Koback refused to answer any questions on Ms. Hott's retirement. 

"We would like to thank Kathy for her many years of service to the district," the board said in a written statement. "We appreciate the work she has done for Springfield Local Schools and wish her the very best as she begins new adventures in her life."

Ms. Hott's departure will come in the midst of a campaign to get an operational levy passed in August. The board voted last week to place a 7.9-mill permanent levy on the Aug. 6 special election ballot.

"I have to put my family first," Ms. Hott said when asked about leaving the district in the midst of a levy campaign.