The sole item on the agenda was Dr. Klitzman's retirement request, and board president Mike Tetzloff opened the meeting by asking for a motion on the matter. Joe Cunningham made a motion to accept the retirement offer, and it was seconded by Rhonda Heims. They were joined in voting approval by Deke DeMarco and Terri Johnston.

Tetzloff, Larry Beach and John Kwiatkowski voted against the motion. Beach later said "the board has made a terrible mistake, and the community will suffer for it."

Dr. Klitzman gave a statement from some prepared notes immediately after the board vote. He said serving as superintendent the past 26 years had been "wonderful, enriching and gratifying." He did not question the board's right and authority to pick its own superintendent.

He did outline some "major challenges" schools face today, including the influence of social media - the pain it can cause and its misuse, and the problem of students entering the school who lack basic, fundamental skills.

The superintendent said he wished to extend his "heartfelt thanks to the school staff and to the community."

Tom Murray Sr. was the first to speak, noting that the school corporation is in good financial shape in a time when public schools have been struggling. "We haven't laid off any teachers," he pointed out. "I don't know what more you want out of a guy."

Loree Fisher, who has worked for 25 years in the superintendent's office said that allowing Klitzman to retire was "a shame." She added, "You'll never find anyone who will give more heart, more soul, more time, more love."

A few patrons shared remembrances that 35 years ago the school went through the same thing with a "personal vendetta by a new school board. Now we're going to go through the same thing again."  Their remarks were apparently in reference to board members Heims, Johnston and DeMarco who joined the board in January following their election in November.

Basketball coach Kyle Johnson said he wanted to give "a public thank you" to Klitzman and "wish him the best."

Teacher Jan Moore said she has been with the school for 38 years and has seen superintendents come and go. "Bob, you've been the best," she said. "You care about kids and staff." Her husband and fellow teacher Brad Moore added his gratitude for support. "Your leadership has brought us where we are today."

Teacher Peach Roth recalled how a former superintendent had once fired longtime science teacher Steve Slaven and put her on probation for being a "not exciting" teacher. She thanked Klitzman for his support of teachers.

Mary Cotner fought tears as she thanked Klitzman from her perspective working with him as a former school board member, fellow church member and community member. "My children have done well, and I thank you for your guidance."

Teacher Pam Burger thanked the superintendent for his support of the school's consumer and family sciences department, and for the times he stopped by the classroom to visit with the students.

Bryan Van Coutren from the school's maintenance staff, said he had only been at the school for five years, but expressed his feeling that Klitzman would be "greatly missed."

Bus driver and cook Cindy Koepkey told Dr. Klitzman that she had enjoyed working for him "tremendously," that he was "very fair," and that she "didn't want to see him go."

Former middle school principal Stan Good told Klitzman "I never thought it would end this way, but in a way I'm glad. There are still good things you can do for education. Good added that Klitzman "cared for his staff more than the data." He ended by saying, "I wish you well. Good things are coming."

Board president Tetzloff concluded by observing that he had been searching for the appropriate words to say should the board vote as it did.

"But in the end, I could find them," he admitted. "'Kids are our Future' has always been our motto since you have been here," he told Dr. Klitzman. "I thank you for living it."

Klitzman is expected to continue in his position through the end of his current contract which expires June 30.

Tetzloff said the board has set no timetable for selecting a new superintendent.

Superintendent Retires: The Eastern Pulaski Community School Board voted 4-3 Monday evening to accept the retirement request of Superintendent Dr. Robert Klitzman who has led the school corporation for 26 years. Approximately 50 people attended the meeting, including many teachers and school staff members.