The Warren County R-III School Board announced on Tuesday that it has granted the request of Superintendent Dr. Jim Chandler to be released from his contract to retire effective June 30, 2017.The district will begin searching for new leadership but does not anticipate hiring a superintendent for the 2017-2018 school year. In the interim, Assistant Superintendents Dr. Aaron Jones and Dr. Jill Schowe have agreed to serve as co-superintendents during that process.Chandler, who came to R-III from the Winfield School District, is concluding his fourth year as superintendent. “As many of you are aware, a passion I have is coaching the game of basketball, and I have an opportunity in college offered for that after retirement,” said Chandler in a statement released to staff and parents.The board met with all staff members in the high school commons on Wednesday afternoon to determine how the district will move forward. Board President John Clinger read a statement to those in attendance.“The board is grateful to Dr. Chandler for his service to the district and appreciates his willingness to stay in his post through June 30, 2017, subject to any vacation time he may choose to take,” he said.According to the release, the board will continue to communicate and update the community about the direction of the district as we move forward into next year.

Warren County R-III Superintendent Jim Chandler