Clarendon School District 1 has said goodbye to longtime Superintendent Dr. Rose Wilder, who presided over her final board meeting Thursday night.
Board Chairman Tony Junious said Friday morning that Wilder retired from the district, effectively immediately and that Barbara Ragin will serve as interim for the coming school year.
Wilder was hired by the district in October 2004 to replace Dr. Clarence E. Willie. She had previously served as superintendent with Clarendon School District 2.
“It is with a great sense of loss that the Board of Trustees of Clarendon School District 1 announces the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Rose Wilder,” said Junious in a released statement. “Dr. Wilder notified the board of her intent to retire and submitted her resignation at the school board meeting held July 20.”
Junious said in the statement that the board “recognizes Dr. Wilder’s significant accomplishments have set an example for educators everywhere and will make appointing her replacement a challenge.”
“The board wishes Dr. Wilder a very happy retirement and expresses their gratitude for Dr. Wilder’s numerous and considerable contributions to the district during her tenure as superintendent for the past 13 years.”
