(BCN) – Superintendent Bruce Harter with the West Contra Costa Unified School District has announced plans to retire at the end of June, according to district officials.
Harter said in a statement issued Friday that controversy over his involvement in a bond program was a factor in his decision to retire, and that he hopes his departure will lead to increased support for renewing a parcel tax on the November ballot.
The district includes more than 50 schools in western Contra Costa County. Harter is completing his 10th year there, making him the longest serving superintendent in the county, according to district officials.
At the Board of Education’s meeting Wednesday evening Harter will be requesting an amendment to his contract allowing him to retire on June 30, which should allow the district time to select another candidate for the job.
That meeting is scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Lovonya Dejean Middle School, 3400 MacDonald Ave., in Richmond.