Superintendent Gerald Woehr plans to retire from the Plumsted Board of Education in the summer of 2005.
By: Dana Lynn Flatekval
PLUMSTED After more than two decades of being an educator and leader of the township’s school district, Superintendent Gerald Woehr has decided it’s time to retire next summer.
The announcement was made at a special Board of Education meeting Dec. 9. Based on the reactions from school board members, Dr. Woehr will be missed greatly.
"I think he has made this school district what it is," board member Kathleen Sandford said.
She said Dr. Woehr is very accessible to the students.
"Most superintendents are in their offices in separate buildings, but all of the students in this district know who he is," Ms. Sandford said. "He absolutely loves being with the kids. Not only is he an educator, but he is a big kid himself."
Board member Karen Amburgey said Dr. Woehr, who has been with the district as a principal and superintendent for more than 20 years, will be missed.
"I’m honored to work with him… I don’t even know where to begin. He’s brought great people into the district and test scores are way up," she said.
Dr. Woehr was unavailable earlier this week for comment for this story.
In a letter to The Messenger-Press this week, Board of Education President Herb Marinari said Dr. Woehr is "one of the nation’s top educators."
"With his guidance I believe we have provided the community with a premier educational school system but still maintained an emphasis on a realistic tax base," Mr. Marinari wrote in his letter. "We have been fortunate to have him be the creator and leader of our fine school system."
Dr. Woehr guided Plumsted schools through some major changes, including the openings of the high school and primary schools. He also was very involved in school funding issues and made several trips to Washington, D.C., to discuss the dwindling funding with lawmakers and other educators.
The search for Dr. Woehr’s replacement will begin immediately. Mr. Marinari said in the letter that a New Jersey School Boards Association representative will be on hand at the next school board meeting to provide input into the search. Mr. Marinari also encouraged the public to attend the meetings to stay informed about the selection process.
The next Board of Education meeting is on Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at New Egypt High School.

