Ridder to end contract early

Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Norm Ridder has informed the school board he will end his tenure with the conclusion of the 2013-14 academic year, 12 months before his contract ends.

"I have had a wonderful experience with this community, its students and our staff, and together we have shared many accomplishments," Ridder said in a news release. "Now, it is time for me to consider new opportunities and take on a new challenge."

In February, Ridder asked the SPS Board of Education to refrain from extending his current contract beyond its end date of June 30, 2015.

Ridder, this summer, was named a finalist for director of the Wyoming Department of Education, but ultimately wasn't selected by Gov. Matt Mead, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Hired as SPS' 13th superintendent in 2005, Ridder's 2013-14 base salary is $160,926.

School board President Kris Callen said the search process to hire a new superintendent will begin soon.

"Dr. Ridder is leaving our district in a favorable position. It will be our challenge now to find an able successor to build on that and lead Springfield Public Schools toward a new level of excellence," Callen said in the release.