The following is a press release from the Renton School District. Check back with www.rentonreporter.com on Thursday for updates on this breaking story:
At its regular meeting tonight, the Renton School Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Dr. Merri Rieger, who is leaving to pursue other career opportunities. Dr. Rieger was hired as superintendent in July, 2013. Her resignation is effective June 30, 2015.
Renton School Board members and Dr. Rieger mutually agreed in order to provide a smooth transition for an interim superintendent, she will step aside from the daily superintendent duties, effective immediately. Board members thank Dr. Rieger for her service to the district and wish her well in her future endeavors.
Board President Pam Teal in a statement to staff said, “As part of our responsibility to staff and our community, the Board has reached an amicable separation agreement with Dr. Rieger. We all work very hard toward the same goal: to provide every student with a meaningful education. The School Board and the Superintendent simply had differing viewpoints on achieving that shared goal. There was absolutely no impropriety. We wish Merri all the best in her pursuit of other professional opportunities and thank her for her contributions.”
In a statement, Dr. Rieger said “I enjoyed my time in Renton and felt honored to work alongside so many talented and dedicated educators, community members, students and families.”
The Board appointed Sheryl Moore, who is assistant superintendent for Human Resources, as acting superintendent through June 30, 2015. The Board also voted to appoint Dr. Art Jarvis as interim superintendent. Dr. Jarvis, who was formerly superintendent in the Tacoma and Enumclaw school districts, will assume the interim position on July 1, 2015 and serve through the 2015-2016 school year. The board will seek input from staff, students, parents and community, to conduct a thorough search for a permanent superintendent during next school year.
The Board expressed great confidence in Renton School District staff’s ability to continue to provide high-quality education every day for every child in every setting through this transition period.
