Peacock leaves district

Published: February 19, 2009 6:00 PM Katherine Mortimer - Vernon Morning Star

School superintendent Bob Peacock has announced his resignation, surprising those in attendance at Tuesday’s district board meeting. On the job since 2005, Peacock will stay on as top administrator until the official end of the 2008/09 school year on July 31. “What it came down to is that, other than my seven years in Merritt, I tend to move on after four years, so I’m looking at what are the next challenges for me,” said Peacock. “I have a few years before I want to retire, so I’m looking at whether or not I stay here or do I want to look for another adventure.”

Peacock said with the budget process now underway, the board is looking at making cuts that are sustainable which will lead the district into the 2009/2010 school year. “This is a great district and so with the folks you get to work with in this district, you leave with a sad heart when you leave people like that,” he said. Board chairman Bill Turanski said trustees have accepted Peacock’s resignation with regret. “It was his decision, but a number of trustees said, ‘what if we don’t accept his resignation?’” On behalf of the trustees, Turanski said Peacock has led the district through a period of curriculum change, fiscal challenges and the emerging role of parents. Some of those challenges have included reduced enrolment and cuts to funding, resulting in the closure of two district elementary schools. “Bob has guided trustees through many challenges with an understanding ear and a will for the board, its staff and its students to succeed,” said Turanski. “The district will lose a strong advocate for education in the Vernon School District when Bob leaves. “Bob has always kept ‘what is good for students’ as a guiding principle in his role.” Turanski added that the hard-working superintendent is generally in his office by 7 a.m. and, when not working, can be found refereeing basketball games on the weekend. “He visits all the schools regularly and has a high profile. He’s quite a remarkable individual and we’re sorry to lose him.” Turanski said the district will begin its search for a new superintendent in a few weeks, with the position to be posted across Canada, and Peacock’s replacement expected to begin work Aug. 1.