“This wasn’t an opportunity I was looking for; instead, the opportunity came looking for me,” Zylstra explained. To live and work in the town where my children have aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents was just too good an opportunity to pass up.”

He added that when he moved to Francesville in 2012, he expected it to be a short stop in his administrative career, not one that would last a decade.

“During that time the community has treated my family as one of their own, been gracious of my shortcomings, and encouraged me in my strengths,” Zylstra said. “The school board and fellow administrators have allowed me the freedom to lead and learn while providing me with guidance, direction and support through the good times and the hard times. The staff has been second-to-none in its dedication to our students and families, and it has been a blessing to serve alongside them.”

In a letter to the school community, Zylstra added he had “invested a great deal of myself in the position and community,” but had received “far more back in return. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to begin my years of service in school leadership. Thus it is weith mixed emotions that I announce my departure.

The outgoing superintendent said he leaves behind a dedicated school board, a talented group of school leaders, teachers and staff. “I look forward to working diligently with leadership over the next six months to find the next superintendent who will continue building upon West Central’s many strengths.”