MEADOW HEIGHTS' DEARDORFF TO RETIRE

PATTON -- Another school district in Southeast Missouri is in search of a superintendent, bringing the total to four.

Jerry Deardorff, superintendent at Meadow Heights, announced his retirement Monday night. It becomes effective June 30.

Deardorff has been superintendent in the Bollinger County district for three years.

School board members in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Perryville also are in search of a new superintendents to start the 1999-2000 school year.

Deardorff's announcement wasn't a surprise. "I had informed the board at the beginning of the year that it was my intention," he said.

The Meadow Heights Board of Education is accepting applications to find a replacement.

Deardorff, 62, will conclude a 33-year education career. Though health concerns weren't mentioned as a reason for retirement, Deardorff did undergo heart bypass surgery last year.

His plans for retirement don't have much to do with teaching or education. He intends to become an engineer for the St. Louis Zoo's railroad line.

Despite the change in careers, it's a job that will keep Deardorff in contact with children and their parents.

Deardorff began teaching history in Livingston County schools in 1960 and became high school principal there in 1971. He was superintendent at Meadville for six years and served a year in the Polo school district.

After 12 years as superintendent in the Marquand-Zion School District, Deardorff accepted a job with Meadow Heights in 1996. He replaced Cheri Fuemmeler, who served as superintendent in 1995-96.

In other business at Monday's board meeting, the district hired a junior high special education teacher and approved the purchase of band uniforms at a cost of $2,200.