Schools superintendent resigns in Poplar Bluff

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo -- Poplar Bluff School District superintendent Chris Hon announced his resignation late last week, effective at the end of his contract.

It ends June 30, 2016, as the district is scheduled to complete construction of its new high school and fourth- to sixth-grade center.

"I just feel very appreciative of the opportunity the board gave me in 2010, to be a superintendent for such a great staff and school," Hon said. Hon explained later he has been contemplating this decision since September.

"I want to fulfill my responsibilities and my contract obligations and thought this was an appropriate time to make the announcement," he said.

Hon said he has reached the point where it will be financially better for him to leverage the school retirement options he has and pursue something outside public-school work.

"I need to do that for my family," he said.

The 19 months left on his contract should allow the board and the district time to make a smooth transition to the next superintendent, Hon stated in a letter presented to the board in closed session and provided to the Daily American Republic.

"We have many great things going on at Poplar Bluff and I plan to work diligently to complete the buildings and any improvements during this time," he wrote.

The district is scheduled to complete the majority of nearly $50 million of construction in the next year and a half, following a tax levy measure approved by voters in April.

Under Hon's leadership, Poplar Bluff also has rolled out a 1:1 initiative in the high school and junior high, providing a laptop computer to every student, according to board member Alana Robertson. The district has additionally put in place a program called Capturing Kids Hearts, an effort to strengthen relationships between students and educators, she said.

"He's done some great things for the school district," Robertson said Monday morning. "I hate to see him go, but I'm a firm believer that when you feel like it's time, it's time."

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, Mo.