Oyster River Superintendent James Morse to retire in June. Search for replacement begins.

DURHAM — James Morse will retire as superintendent of the Oyster River Cooperative School District in June 2024, the district announced Tuesday.

“The District and School Board are grateful for Dr. Morse’s 11 years of dedicated service and the district’s many remarkable accomplishments under his guidance,” Denise Day, chair of the Oyster River School Board, said in a prepared statement. “While we are saddened to see the end of Dr. Morse’s time here at ORCSD, it is an exciting time for the district as we choose new leadership to strengthen our mission of ‘Working Together to Engage Every Learner.’"

2017 story: Oyster River's superintendent named NH's best

The School Board has opened the search for Oyster River’s next superintendent, and has hired the New England School Development Council to assist.

The School Board announced it will engage district stakeholders — parents and guardians, students, faculty and staff — throughout the search. In September, the district will provide a community survey on its website and host a series of focus groups to establish a profile of the preferred candidate.

The Superintendent Search page on the district’s website shares information about the search process, and will announce the dates and locations of community meetings.

Prospective candidates may review the Applicant Information page on the District website. Applications are being accepted through Oct. 27.

The board anticipates selecting a new superintendent no later than December, with a start date of July 1, 2024.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Oyster River Superintendent James Morse to retire in June 2024