Tim Kuehl Announces Retirement as Shared Superintendent After Five Years

Tim Kuehl, the shared superintendent for East Union and Murray Schools, has announced his retirement effective at the end of the current school year. This decision comes after the adoption of an early retirement policy that allows qualified administrators to retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year. Both districts will now begin the search for a new superintendent to fill this pivotal role.

The early retirement policy was adopted on Monday and has been under discussion for the past few years. Kuehl clarified that his retirement was not prompted by any specific incident but rather a culmination of his career and the new policy’s implementation. He has served as superintendent for East Union since 2021, taking over from Ken Kasper, and has held the shared position with Murray’s school district since then. By the end of his contract, Kuehl will have dedicated five years to both districts.

Retirement Policy and Impact on Administration

The newly adopted retirement policy not only applies to Kuehl but also opens doors for other administrators at East Union to benefit from early retirement incentives. To qualify, an administrator must be at least 55 years old and have served the district for a minimum of five years. Among those who meet these criteria are Elementary Principal Joan Gordon and Early Childhood Center Director Peggy Hardy, although neither has taken steps towards retirement at this time.

In related developments, East Union has recently approved its at-risk/dropout prevention plan, which was put forward in October 2023. The district is set to submit its annual request for supplemental aid to the School Budget Review Committee, seeking a total of $177,653 for the 2026-27 prevention program. Kuehl emphasized the importance of these funds, stating, “These funds will support the implementation of the plan. We do counselor salaries and shared social workers. We pay out of that. It supports at-risk students.”

New Coaching Contracts Approved

In addition to administrative changes, the district has also approved several new coaching contracts. Among these are Clarissa McCollough as the wrestling cheer coach and Zach Clear as the junior high wrestling coach. These appointments reflect the district’s commitment to enhancing its athletic programs and supporting student engagement through sports.

As Kuehl prepares for his transition, both East Union and Murray Schools are poised to continue their focus on educational excellence and student support in the years ahead.