Lacee Sell, Superintendent of USD 473, Chapman, is resigning.

In a letter to the USD 473 Board of Education, Sell submitted her written resignation, effective June 30.

Sell said while she didn’t think she would ever leave the superintendent’s position, the personal agendas of individual board members makes it impossible for her to continue. She stated she is firmly grounded in her beliefs, morals and ethics, and she knows what she stands for….coming to work every day making sure her efforts were always in support of the kids and the District.

“When I began five years ago I was expected to increase student achievement, get to know kids as individuals, use a team approach to leadership, exhibit excellent communication, recruit and retain outstanding staff, enhance the District’s impage and develop and manage the District budget. I am proud to say that student achievement has risen, that I know most students by name, we have a strong leadership team who together have secured outstanding staff, and the District’s image has steadily improved. Despite the recent and ongoing budget cuts by the state of Kansas, the District is in sound financial shape. Your actions and comments to me the last nine months have made it clear that your agenda is different and that you no longer have these expectations of your superintendent.”

Sell said she believes USD 473 is in better shape now than when she arrived and she hopes she played a small part in that improvement. She called it a blessing to have a leadership position amongst some of the most remarkable children and hardest working staff imaginable. She added she is grateful for the support shown by the entire staff and the school community.

The Chapman Board of Education recently voted 5-2 not to extend Sell’s contract which currently runs through June of 2017. That prompted public calls in her support at a Board meeting in February.

Sell has accepted a job as the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in the USD 383 Manhattan – Ogden school district.