[KHTS] – A fixture in the Santa Clarita Valley’s educational scene, Sulphur Springs School District Superintendent Robert Nolet recently advised the school board of his plans to retire.

The resignation is to take effect Jan. 1, and his last official day will come at the end of this calendar year, Nolet said.

“I have submitted my resignation for purposes of retirement,” Nolet said, joking that mowing his lawn and adding, on a more serious note, spending time with family, were among his current retirement plans.

Nolet has been with the district for 33 years, and the superintendent for 32 of those years.

“There comes a time when — and I love this district and I love all the people I’ve worked with over the years — but it comes a point in time when it’s time for someone else to take over the reigns,” he said.

He also wanted to spend more time with his family in Washington, he said.

“The fact of the matter is, (Nolet) has been the longest continuously serving superintendent in the Santa Clarita Valley. During his tenure, he has really pushed the innovation and advancement of the district,” said SSSD board member Kerry Clegg, who has been on the board since 1989.

“He’s worked so tirelessly for us. During his tenure we’ve always had strong sound fiscal policies and procedures in place,” Clegg said. “He’s going to be difficult to replace, and he’s going to be missed.”

Board members accepted the letter with a motion and a 4-0 vote at a May 14 meeting and they are now accepting proposals from firms to help the district find a replacement.

Sulphur Springs is a public elementary school district with a little more than 5,500 students in schools on the east side of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Hiring from within the district is still a possibility, Nolet said, adding a firm was expected to be selected within the next month.

“The intent is to have all of that process done my mid-November,” Nolet said, adding that would allow for at least a little transition time before Nolet’s retirement takes effect.

The Sulphur Springs School District staff also is expected to recommend a demographer to draw up district lines, as part of a lawsuit settlement over a CVRA violation.

Sulphur Springs School District officials agreed to districting as part of a lawsuit settlement, which is expected to impact the district’s next election cycle.

David Ely’s firm Compass Demographics is expected to be presented to the board for approval as a choice for the districting.