Menlo Park city school supertinendent Ken Ranella to retire

In an email to the community today, Menlo Park City School District Superintendent Ken Ranella announced his decision to retired, effective June 30, 2011. He plans to submit his resignation to the Board of Education at its regular January 11 meeting.

In reference to his 36 years as an educator in public schools, he said: “It has been a fulfilling professional journey for me, culminating in service to the students and communities of Menlo Park and Atherton for most of the last decade…Yes, it is [now] my time, time to consider other personal and professional pursuits, time to explore myself outside of my long-term professional role and most importantly unencumbered time to fully engage with Ginny, my wife and best friend for over thirty-five years.

Ranella said that The Board of Education has been aware of his decision and has been preparing for the transition. Three superintendent-search consulting firms have been identified, and the Board will schedule January 18 for a Special Board Meeting to review proposals and interview and select one of these firms.  Wrote Ranella in the email: “The Board anticipates that the selected advisors will engage the staff and Community in identifying the professional attributes and qualities of leadership for the next superintendent. The Board will also keep the School Community apprised during the recruitment and selection process, which should conclude in early spring.

“As for me during the next six months, I intend to fully enjoy and appreciate each and every day of my remaining professional career as the Superintendent of an outstanding School District comprised of committed professional educators and staff members, supportive and active parents, capable members of the Board of Education, and students with unlimited potential.”

Photo by Chris Gulker