By Debbie Wachter Morris
Mohawk superintendent Dr. Timothy F. McNamee has decided to retire.
At its regular meeting last night, the school board accepted McNamee’s letter of resignation, effective June 29.
In addition to a superintendent, the district will be searching for a new high school principal after Charles Shoop submitted his resignation last month, effective June 30.
McNamee, 61, has worked in education for 39 years and has been the top administrator at Mohawk for eight years.
“I’ve loved Mohawk and I’ve loved being here, but it’s time to make that decision,” he said yesterday.
The board has not yet decided how to proceed with hiring a new superintendent.
Board president Eugene Butch Jr. was out of town and did not attend last night’s meeting.
Attempts yesterday to reach vice president Ted Morrow for comment about McNamee’s retirement were unsuccessful.
During his tenure at Mohawk, McNamee led the district through a school renovation project, the settlement of a teacher’s contract and the adoption of new initiatives in professional development of teachers designed to increase student achievement.
“It’s been a great experience with many great relationships,” he said, adding, “I think Mohawk is continuing to achieve a lot of progress in a lot of areas.”
McNamee pointed out those achievements have been part of a collaboration among teachers, administration and board members.
“They all have a great interest in the district,” he said.
A Pittsburgh native, McNamee lives in Monroeville and also has a house in Bessemer.
Before going to Mohawk, he served five years as assistant superintendent of the Bedford Area School District. He also was director of special services in the Gateway School District.
Last year, McNamee received the University Council for Educational Administration’s educational leadership award.
