District 230 Superintendent James Gay retiring at end of 2020-21 school year
Superintendent since 2007, Gay leaves behind a 37-year career in education
In a sign of the times, the decision was delivered behind a face covering.
But there was no masking the emotions that came with announcing the end to a 37-year career as an educator.
Consolidated High School District 230 Superintendent James Gay announces his retirement during a staff institute day last week. | Screenshot of video announcement
During his two-minute retirement announcement, Consolidated High School District 230 Superintendent James Gay could be heard slightly choking up as he bid adieu to a post he’s held since 2007. His retirement takes effect at the end of this academic year.
“This has been very difficult for me to verbalize, as I have not shared this with anyone, including my own three adult children,” Gay said in his announcement to staff during an institute day last week. He said he didn’t want teachers and other district staff to learn of his retirement via email or through a press release. Instead, he wanted staff to hear the news directly from him.
“I have been blessed with an amazing career over the past 37 years as an educator, a vocation like no other,” Gay said in his speech. His career includes teaching, coaching and being a principal at De La Salle Institute, serving as an assistant principal and then principal at Andrew High School, and then District 230 deputy superintendent for the year leading up to his current role.
“I love this district and every single member of the District 230 family, but nonetheless, I know it’s time to move on,” he added.
Gay, who will turn 60 next February, said he had a long conversation with his wife over the past couple years and had been in discussion with the Board of Education the past semester about his eventual retirement.
“I am grateful to call you my colleague and my friends, and I am confident that those who write the next chapters will provide the innovative education that our students deserve and our community expects,” Gay said during his announcement.
Gay’s final year as superintendent will be like no other as he oversees a 7,000-student district navigate the covid-19 pandemic, which he has said in public statements has caused division among district stakeholders in recent weeks. The district originally approved a hybrid reopening plan last month but reverted to a fully remote start to the school year earlier this month after increased pressure from the District 230 Teachers Association.
Superintendent James Gay delivers an update on District 230’s reopening plan last week. | Screenshot of D230 covid-19 update video
The superintendent wrapped up his announcement by saying the district has to roll up its sleeves and continue working on providing the best possible learning environment for its students amid these uncertain times.
After Gay’s announcement, Andrew tweeted their appreciation for the superintendent: “Andrew High School feels a special sense of pride in knowing that our building leader, who became our district leader, is ready to conclude his 37 years in education on top of his game. Dr. Gay has always focused on excellence and relationships and his legacy will live on.”
Carl Sandburg High School also thanked Gay for his commitment to the district in a tweet: “It’s hard to express what we are all feeling this week after hearing our beloved superintendent, Dr. Gay, will be retiring this year. 37 years in education as a teacher, leader, colleague, and friend, Dr. Gay ALWAYS made the students of D230 a priority! From all of us, Thank You!”