The Hardest Goodbye: A Superintendent’s Tribute to a Special Board Member
By Lori R. Motsch
Saying goodbye is something superintendents should be used to. Many of us started our careers in classroom education, where farewells were an annual ritual. Each year, we watched another class move on, sending them off with well wishes and the hope that we made an impact. But just as every teacher has that one special class that tugs at their heartstrings, superintendents also experience goodbyes that feel especially difficult.
One of the hardest is saying farewell to a valued board member who has been a steadfast leader, a trusted advisor, and a champion for our shared vision of student success.
Board members come and go, as terms expire and elections shift leadership, but every once in a while, we work with someone who truly leaves a lasting mark. Maybe it’s a longtime board member who has been a pillar of the district, bringing wisdom and continuity. Or maybe it’s a board member who stood by your side through difficult decisions, supporting you through the challenges of leadership.
For me, that person is the board president who gave me the life-changing phone call to tell me I had been chosen for my first superintendent role. Over the past five years, we have navigated challenges together, grown as leaders, and built a partnership rooted in trust and respect. The gratitude I feel is immeasurable, and the loss of their presence on the board will be deeply felt.
As I prepare to welcome new board members, I do so with excitement for the future but also with a heavy heart. I know that transitions bring fresh perspectives and new opportunities; however, I will never forget the incredible gift this board member gave me — their unwavering support, their belief in my leadership, and their commitment to our students.
For superintendents and fellow board members facing a similar goodbye, take a moment to acknowledge the impact that special board member had on your journey. Express your appreciation, share your memories, and let them know how much they mattered. Their leadership may be coming to an end, but their influence will remain long after they step away from the board table.
Who is your such leader? Mine is outgoing New Lenox SD 122 Board President Rhonda Starklauf, and I am grateful to her for her service, support, and leadership.
In the ever-changing world of education, it is important to honor those who have made a difference. And as hard as goodbyes can be, they remind us of the deep connections we form in this work. These connections shape us, inspire us, and leave us better than we were before.