TAYLOR - The Riverside School Board formally accepted Superintendent David Woods' resignation Monday, though he will finish the school year.
The board voted 5-3 to accept, but Charles Maurer Jr., Michael Duda and Perina Janeski, who voted against the motion, explained after the meeting that their votes were meant in jest. All three lauded the work Mr. Woods had done in the district during his tenure.
Mr. Woods will take over as superintendent at the Oxford Area School District in southern Chester County, effective July 1. He said he appreciated the well-wishes but still has plenty of work to do before the end of the school year.
Despite thanks and compliments from administrators and board members, one audience member disagreed.
Eugene Gallagher said that by not moving to the area, Mr. Woods had never fully committed to the district.
"We were irresponsible in reappointing him for another five years," he said. "Now we're left holding the bag."
The board will begin a statewide search for a new superintendent, advertising within a week and appointing Mr. Woods' successor by the end of June, board President Robert Bennie explained.
Also at the meeting, the board made several appointments for the 2013-14 school year.
Andrew Bennie was reappointed as head boys basketball coach at a $7,538.37 yearly stipend. Robert Bennie abstained on the appointment of his nephew. The board also approved Daniel Digwood as athletic director and Jack Mekilo as head girls basketball coach, both at a $7,538.37 yearly stipend.
The board president said the athletic director decision was a difficult one, noting that both candidates were well qualified.
Elaine Ort also was appointed as the band director at $5,452 a year.
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