Derek Schuelein out in Andover as district begins search for new school superintendent

Neal Simon, The Evening Tribune
·2 min read

The Andover Central School District and Derek Schuelein have officially parted ways, five months after the former superintendent was placed on paid administrative leave by the district.

At a specially-called meeting Feb. 9, the Andover Board of Education approved a separation agreement with Schuelein, which included his resignation as superintendent effective Feb. 10.

"After considerable reflection and amicable discussion, both parties have agreed to a mutual separation," Brian Perkins, the Andover School Board president, said in a statement. "The board would like to thank Dr. Schuelein for his service to the district and his commitment to our students, and we wish him the best as we both move forward.”

Derek Schuelein
Derek Schuelein

District leaders have been tight lipped about whatever falling out occurred with Schuelein. In the statement, Perkins said, “As districts evolve, differences sometimes emerge regarding the priorities for how best to advance a school’s mission. This occurred between the board and the superintendent.”

In a statement, Schuelein said, “I will always cherish the time I spent in Andover. I wish them the very best for continued success as we both move forward and I will continue to be cheering for them from the sidelines."

The Andover School Board appointed Schuelein superintendent in July 2021. He began the job the following month after the retirement of Lawrence E. Spangenburg, who had been superintendent of the Allegany County school district since 2014.

Schuelein agreed to a three-year contract that paid him a $135,000 salary the first year, ending Aug. 13, 2022.

Prior to joining Andover, Schuelein served as principal of Rye High School in the Rye City School District. In March 2021, he resigned from that position and took a leave of absence until the end of the academic year.

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What comes next for Andover?

After approving the separation with agreement Schuelein, the Andover board named David Hanks interim school school superintendent. Hanks, who previously worked as the school chief at Fillmore Central, had been serving as Andover's acting superintendent since Sept. 26.

Perkins said with Schuelein's tenure now officially over, the district can get started on the search for a new superintendent.

While timeliness is important, Perkins said hiring the best possible candidate is the school board's top priority.

"We would hope to have someone in place by the end of the school year at the latest. But I think it is more important to make sure we have the right person," Perkins said.

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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Andover school board OKs separation deal with Derek Schuelein