Palm Beach County School Superintendent Dr. Robert Avossa is resigning.
This is his third year as superintendent overseeing more than 193,000 students and 23,000 employees.
His resignation is effective June 12.
In a letter to the chairman of the school board, Avossa said he has been offered and accepted the position of Senior Vice President and Publisher Education Products with LRP Publications which is located in Palm Beach Gardens.
He said the job will give him more time for his family while impacting education at a national level.
Avossa also said he intends to continue volunteering on the Education Foundation and man other local boards that support the public schools.
As far as how the district moves forward, Avossa said, "I’m one individual of 27,000. I represent the interests of the school board and the district but this isn’t about me. It’s about our work and I’ll continue to make sure that I do my job in the transition. Do everything I can to make sure the board has the tools they need and then work with them if they choose to on finding a replacement internally and if they feel that that’s not an option then they can certainly look externally."
Justin Katz, President Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association says, “I’m shocked. And I wish him the best in his new job. He put in quality work during his time. It’s sad to see him go. But he set a strong foundation for whoever comes in behind him.”
Read the superintendent's letter:
#BREAKING: @pbcsd confirms @Supt_Avossa's last day is June 12th. The Superintendent has accepted a job in the private sector that he feels is "in the best interest of his family." The job is in Palm Beach County. @wptv#wptv
— Sam Smink (@samsminkWPTV) February 5, 2018