North Union’s superintendent has decided to retire after more than 30 years in education.
Rich Baird, who has led the North Union school district for the last eight and a half years, is retiring at the end of December.
At the regular monthly school board meeting on Monday, the group approved the measure, offering its thanks to Baird for his years of service in a statement read by President Brian Davis.
“The board of education would like to congratulate Mr. Baird on his retirement announcement and the next chapter of your life,” he said. “We wish you the best in your future endeavors. Please know that we will forever remember your dedication, accomplishments and personal integrity here at North Union.”
Baird said it’s just the right time to get out of the game after nearly 35 years.
“I’m at a great age, with four grandchildren, four children and they’re all getting married,” he said. “We get to spend time with our parents and so it’s time to be with family.”
He said the support of his family, especially his wife, Kristin, has been really helpful across his career and decision to retire.
Baird has been in Union County much of his life. He graduated from Marysville High School in 1987 and went on to Ohio State to study English education. He then returned to Marysville to teach.
From there, he gained experience as an educator in many districts across central Ohio, teaching or spending time as a principal, in districts such as Ridgemont, Dublin, Madison-Plains and Marysville.
He came to North Union eight and a half years ago to be the district’s superintendent where he helped students with career and college readiness, safety and health and wellness. Over the last several years, North Union added full-time counselors in the elementary, middle and high schools as well as other student support staff. The district has also strengthened its relationship with the community.
“Local agencies have supported our district in areas of our strategic plan including the Richwood Library, Union County Health Department, Mental Health and Recovery Board of Union County, Hope Center, Richwood Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Union County Family and Children’s Services, Union County Family Council, Union County Juvenile Court, neighboring school districts and districts across Ohio, and our local churches are valuable resource partnership our district,” he said in a statement. “During my time at North Union, I have worked with the United States representatives and Ohio representatives and senators to support the work of our district. Each year I update the villages and townships of our district on our progress with personal visits to their meetings.”
His statement also noted his work with staff and faculty in the district.
“I am proud of the work in the district including the creation of the strategic plan in 2019 with the support of our community,” Baird said in the statement. “I am more proud of the work of our staff and the administration in the implementation of the plan in the areas of programming, wellness, community engagement and communication. The plan moved us forward in the education of our students and saw us through very difficult times in the world and community.”
He said he is proud of the people in the district and has learned from every person he’s worked with.
“I plan to spend more valuable time with my family and continue learning as an educator,” he said. “Thank you again for the tremendous experience of the North Union community.”
Baird’s retirement will be effective Dec. 31st.
Davis went on to read from the board’s written statement that officials will work with Baird to make the transition to the next superintendent smooth over the next three months.
“The board of education recognizes that the selection of a superintendent is its most important responsibility for the students, staff, families and stakeholders of our school district community,” he said. “ The next steps in this important process will be announced in the coming weeks.”