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Canfield chief of schools to retire
By christine keeling
canfield
The Canfield schools superintendent’s favorite number, 12, played a role in his decision to retire.
Dante Zambrini announced his intent to leave his position as superintendent at the end of the 2012 school year Wednesday at the board of education monthly meeting.
Zambrini, who was born April 12, taught in room 12 at Canfield High School during his teaching career, and will now leave after 12 years in the central office. Also this year the district received an excellent rating for the 12th consecutive year. He graduated in ’72 and will have completed 36 years in education, which are multiples of 12.
“While I am looking forward to this new phase in my life, I am also sad to leave the district where I spent the last 36 years as a teacher, administrator and superintendent,” wrote Zambrini, in a letter he read to board members. “It is indeed a privilege and blessing to have served these years in the same school district, especially that of the caliber of Canfield Local Schools.”
Zambrini expressed appreciation to staff members who help make the district strong by going the extra mile.
He wrote that he began discussing his decision with family, friends and select leaders in the district eight months ago.
Board member Renee Gessner said she was shocked and speechless when Zambrini made his announcement.
In her four years of working with him, she has known him to be very academic in his approach, she said.
“It’s not an easy thing to go 12 years in a row as academic excellent,” said Gessner. “That’s a feather in his cap”
Gessner, who will complete her term on the board in January, said she wishes Zambrini and the district the best.
Adrianne Sturm, board vice president, said the news has left her with a heavy heart.
She said she knows the central office personnel put in a tremendous amount of time to do their jobs and that Zambrini’s retirement will afford him the opportunity to travel and visit family, but finding a replacement will be a big task.
“They are big shoes to replace,” she said. “He truly has an unmeasurable passion, love and concern for children and their education and future.”
Sturm said the board will meet to discuss what process it will use to find a new superintendent.
She added that Zambrini gave the board more time to replace him than most people would have.