Clarke County School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Philip Lanoue was on site at Clarke Central High School on Sept. 2 to announce the school’s new principal, Marie Yuran. Lanoue announced his resignation from CCSD effective March 1, 2017 just hours earlier at a CCSD Board of Education meeting. “It is certainly with mixed emotions that I tender my resignation effective March 1, 2017. During my time here, it has been my honor to lead the Clarke County School District, which is a wonderful and vibrant school community composed of talented support staff, teachers and leaders,” Lanoue said in his official letter of resignation. Photo from ODYSSEY Archives.
By ANA ALDRIDGE – Print News Editor
Clarke County School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Philip Lanoue announces resignation, which will go into effect March 1.
After more than seven years in the Clarke County School District, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Philip Lanoue announced resignation effective March 1. Lanoue made his announcement to the Board of Education on Sept. 1, and shared his official letter of resignation with parents and employees immediately following the BOE’s executive session.
“While timing of any departure is difficult, I anticipate that with this schedule, the Board will be afforded a time window that will allow an effective process to select the next superintendent, as well as prepare for that transition,” Lanoue said. “This is an innovative district that I know will attract outstanding leaders for your consideration. Please know that I will continue to lead and support the operations of the district and the many instructional innovations in process – thus ensuring a smooth transition.”
This announcement came seven months after Lanoue announced his departure from CCSD on Feb. 5, and then decided to stay on Feb. 24.
The CCHS community has mixed feelings regarding Lanoue’s departure. Behavioral Specialist David Brown feels Lanoue had a positive impact on the CCSD.
“I’m sad to see the man go. He’s done a lot of wonderful things for this district and I think he’s put us in a good place, and hopefully we can continue to work on the initiatives that have been put in place while he’s been here. We’ve seen improvement in graduation rates, we’ve seen improvements in discipline (and) we’ve seen technology,” Brown said.
CCHS senior Ivan Ramirez, on the other hand, says that Lanoue did not make a good impression on him during his time as Superintendent of Schools.
“I mean I know who (Lanoue) is, but I don’t really know him. I’ve seen him in my class and stuff, but he doesn’t really care. He went in my class and he would just stand there,” Ramirez said.
CCHS math department chair Heather Julian says although Lanoue contributed positively to the district, she believes the change will be beneficial.
“I’ve met (Lanoue) a couple of times. He’s been through my room for walkthroughs and things like that, but overall I haven’t had that much interaction (with him), being just a mere teacher. I think he has brought some good things to the school system. I think the collaborative planning that I believe he’s responsible for is awesome, and he’s been a big proponent of technology, which I love,” Julian said. “As far as that, I think that there have probably been some positive and negative things as he’s been in charge, and it’s probably time for a new change. Hopefully they’ll find somebody who can keep moving Clarke County forward, who can understand our truly diverse population and be understanding of all the different things that we are dealing with.”
According to his official letter of resignation, after 39 years working in the realms of public education, Lanoue plans on spending time with his family and exploring his many passions for the education of children in America.
“This community is tremendous and has provided me with opportunities to do some of the most exciting work in my career, and I am greatly appreciative and thankful for the opportunity given to me,” Lanoue said.
