John Roeder is retiring as Sunman-Dearborn Community School Corp. superintendent July 1, 2009. Trustees accepted his letter of retirement Oct. 9.

Roeder explained he submitted it “well in advance so the board can conduct a thorough search for my replacement. I have had many wonderful years serving the Sunman-Dearborn school board, our students, teachers, families and communities since beginning with the school corporation as the Sunman Elementary School principal in 1989.

“Sunman-Dearborn is a great school system which will only continue to improve in the years to come.”

Trustee John Armbruster acknowledged the job is “not an easy position, especially in the last few years" because of finances. "We appreciate your efforts," Armbruster told Roeder.

After the meeting, the eight-year superintendent explained why the timing is right. “I set a goal several years ago to go ahead and accept retirement at 55. I don't have anything lined up, ... (but) I welcome another challenge. If the right opportunity comes up, something I'm interested in, I'll consider it.”

Before getting the top post, Roeder served as assistant superintendent for three years. He began his career as an educator by teaching sixth-graders in the Fort Wayne area for one year and science to Rising School Middle School students for 12 years.

“It's a busy job,” he said of the superintendency.

Lately, “sparse” funding at the state level has dogged Roeder, other administrators and the board. “I always hope to have money to fund every program, and that's not the case.” Whoever succeeds him "will have some challenges. I hope as time moves forward, the state gives us more money. An increase in educational funding has to happen.”

Two educators were honored at the meeting. Six-year SES principal Cynthia Morton will use a $2,000 scholarship she received from Bose McKinney & Evans, an Indianapolis law firm, to pursue a Ph.D in education and specialist license through the Purdue University distance learning program.

Scholarship criteria include past academic and professional achievements, future goals, leadership potential and financial need. “It is a prestigious award,” said firm representative Karen Sharp.

“Cynthia is an outstanding candidate who truly exemplifies the philosophy of the Lewis C. Bose Scholarship,” said Chuck Rubright, the firm’s Education Law Group chairman, in a news release. The principal, who is active in Messiah Lutheran Church, likes to see “the twinkle in the eyes of a child,” according to Sharp.

Upon accepting the plaque, Morton said, “I am both honored and humbled.”

“It's also a pleasure to recognize Elise Smith ... as the 2008 Indiana Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year,” said Roeder. The Sunman-Dearborn Intermediate School physical education teacher will be recognized by the Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance at the Indianapolis Marriott East Conference Center Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

“We are very proud of her hard work and dedication to her students. I look forward to attending the awards program and honoring her commitment to teaching lifelong fitness” and contributions at the state and national levels. The superintendent added, “It's a proud moment for the school system.” Smith is now a candidate for the Midwest District Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award.

Debbie Blank can be contacted at debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.