Sup’t Voigt to retire; Elia to take MV helm

Mountain View School District Superintendent Karen Voigt plans to retire at the end of the school year and the board hired the district’s next superintendent from within the current administration.

Voigt’s resignation for the purpose of retirement, effective June 17, was approved by the board at the Monday, Jan. 13, meeting.

Curriculum Director Dr. Michael S. Elia, who is also currently serving as the acting principal in the Junior-Senior High School, moves into the superintendent spot on July 1 with an annual salary of $114,000.

“Thank you for having faith in me as we collaborate, moving forward as a school district and a community for our students,” Elia said.

Voigt thanked the board, saying, “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the students and families in this district for the past 26 and a half years. I sincerely appreciate all of the support I received from all corners for my efforts throughout the years.”

She continued, “There are many initiatives of which I am extremely proud to have spearheaded. I have also been fortunate to be working with many dedicated and talented staff. It has been an ongoing goal to provide our students with as many opportunities as possible as well as to keep our students competitive with other students across the state and nation.”

“I always thought I would be a teacher. I strived to be the best teacher I could be,” Voigt said. “Though I never imagined having the opportunity to be a superintendent, I also still strived to be the best educator I could be. As I look back over 45 years in education, I have to smile and realize I think I have almost reached my goal. Thank you for helping me achieve my goal!”

After the meeting, Voigt noted that her contract was extended by one year to include the 2019-2020 school year. She said she weighed the options and decided that while she could commit to another year, she could not commit to three. “I will continue to be part of the fabric of the community,” she promised.