Henderson calls it quits
Gerald W. Henderson will step down at the end of this school year, after six years at the helm of Marion-Florence USD 408.
Henderson has been superintendent of the district since 1998. Board clerk Martin Tice read Henderson's letter of resignation at Monday night's board of education meeting.
It was accepted "with regret" by the board. Henderson was also released from his contract, with an effective release date of June 30, 2004.
School board president Rex Savage said the announcement was "no bombshell. Gerry's a better communicator than that. We knew it was coming. He's done a very good job for us, through a difficult, trying time. We don't like to see him go."
Henderson said "it's been fun," and he expects eight more months of fun and challenges while leading the district.
Board member Keith Collett also thanked Henderson for his six years as superintendent.
Savage said the early announcement will give the board time to try to find a new superintendent who "fits" the district's needs.
