Bayfield School District Superintendent Leon Hanhardt will step down from his position at the end of the school year.
He said he is moving to be closer to his wife's family.
Hanhardt’s three-year tenure as superintendent is most notably marked by the implementation of the four-day school week for K-12 students.
The change to a four-day school week gave faculty extra professional development time on Fridays and has increased teacher retention rates across Bayfield School District.
“The results have been positive, and I think it's the right direction for us to continue,” Hanhardt said.
He also launched the district’s Continuous Improvement Initiative, centered around student engagement, active family involvement and providing unwavering support for staff.
Additionally, Rebecca Parnell, Bayfield school board president, highlighted the pay-raise initiative Hanhardt spearheaded. She said the district increased faculty salaries by over a third in three years, keeping Bayfield schools competitive.
Hanhardt submitted his formal resignation at the Feb. 11 school board meeting.
As the sole employee of the Board of Education, Hanhardt said the search and decision of the new superintendent is entirely up to board members.
“I will help facilitate anything that the board asked me to do, but the decision on the next superintendent is ultimately that of the Board of Education,” he said.
The board has chosen to employ the search firm McPherson & Jacobson LLC, and Parnell said the board will provide avenues for community and district involvement during the search.
She said when considering budget shortages and the possibility of changes to the state funding formula, the district would be looking for candidates with solid budgeting experience.
A candidate who prioritizes student safety, both physical and mental, is also important to the board, Parnell said.
Hanhardt’s last official day will be June 30.
Born in Durango, Hanhardt is a longtime resident of La Plata County. Before serving as superintendent, he was principal of Bayfield High School.
His wife, Bobbi Hanhardt, will also be stepping down from her role as the agriculture teacher and FFA adviser at Bayfield High School.
“We have built lifelong friendships and relationships that will always hold a special place in our hearts, for my entire family,” Hanhardt said. “We raised our children here, and it will always be a special place for us.”
jbowman@durangoherald.com
Herald Staff Writer Reuben Schafir contributed to this report.
