Superintendent Susan Dudley will retire at the end of the school year after three years in District 50.

Dudley said discussion and gossip in Springfield about changes to the teachers’ pension system convinced her it was the “right time” to retire in order to get the full pension she signed for when starting her teaching career.

In her three years as District 50 superintendent, Dudley said she has focused on upgrading technology in the schools including adding computers, smart boards, LCD projectors, quick-response clickers and document readers.

“I’m a big fan of technology. I believe it levels the playing field,” Dudley said.

The school board is currently reviewing applicants for a new superintendent. Dudley said the biggest challenge her replacement will face is funding.

“The state is not paying it’s bills. They are more than 120 days past due, and they owe the district more than $1 million.”

Dudley said the district is paying salaries out of federal stimulus money this year — money that will dry up next year.

“We don’t want to have to cut, but it will be a challenge,” she said.
Dudley called the district a “diamond in the rough” and a “hidden gem” because of the way teachers and parents work together to make the district run smoothly.

“We have great parent support; we can ask them for anything and they’re here,” she said.

In addition to facing financial challenges, Dudley said she hopes the new superintendent will continue to “stay up with the times” by focusing on technology and new research on teaching efficiently.

“It’s a dynamic system, with what kids need ever-changing. They’re finding better ways of teaching every day,” she said.

Dudley, a Sunnyland resident, said she plans to stay in the area during her retirement.

“I’ll probably fish more and travel. It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” she said, adding that it will be difficult to adjust her schedule after working from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

The District 50 school board will name Dudley’s replacement at its meeting Jan. 25.