Peekskill Schools Chief Calls it Quits

James Willis said he realized that his announced retirement during Wednesday's Peekskill school board meeting comes at a when the district is facing tough times.

But he said the his decision to retire as the district's superintendent in July had nothing to do with the transcript scandal, the grade changing allegation facing Allison Risoli or any other issue the school district is facing. Willis said he made his decision about three weeks ago.

"I'm officially retiring on July 13," Willis said. "I have something like, 17 and-a-half years in the system. I've been working since I was 16 years old. So, for me, it's going to be different. But there are some things I want to do differently with my family obviously, so we'll see. I'm going to spend the first couple of months with my family  relaxing and getting reacquainted with them."

Willis said he planned to move to Lousiville, KY, where his wife, children and grandchildren currently live.

School board President Joseph Urbanowicz said the district has yet to decide who will replace Willis in the interim, or the longterm.

"We thank you for your understanding and look forward to sharing more information in a timely manner as we progress in our search for the next superintendent of schools," Urbanowciz said. 

The board approved a separation agreement with Willis during the board meeting, but did not release any details about the agreement. 

"I must stress that this is an amicable agreement between the board and Mr. Willis," Urbanowicz said. "I speak for the entire board in wishing well during his retirement."

Tuesday McDonald was the lone board member to vote against the separation agreement.

"I can't talk about the terms of the agreement because it involves personnel, but I don't agree to the terms of the agreement," McDonald said. "Unfortunately, I don't think I can say anything else."

Willis replaced Judith Johnson as superintendent of Peekskill schools in July 2011. Prior to that, he served  after serving  about two-and-a-half years as the superintendent of Utica schools.

Willis was slated to make $242,511, which includes his estimated  reimbursement for unused vacation days, next year, with the district paying an additional $72,000 for his benefits.