KCSD Superintendent Glen Szymoniak to Retire
Longtime educator announces retirement effective July 31, 2026, after more than four decades in public education
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Glen Szymoniak, Superintendent of the Klamath County School District, has formally announced his retirement, effective July 31, 2026, concluding more than 40 years in education and 18 years serving as a superintendent.
(KCSD)
Szymoniak submitted a letter of retirement to the Klamath County School District Board on December 29, 2025, citing a desire to spend more time with family following a long career in public education. He has served as superintendent of KCSD since 2018.
In his letter, Szymoniak stated that serving the district and its communities had been one of the most rewarding experiences of his career. He expressed gratitude to the school board, district leadership, staff, and community partners, and emphasized his commitment to ensuring a smooth leadership transition over the coming months.
Szymoniak indicated he will work with the board to develop a comprehensive transition plan, document ongoing initiatives and processes, support communication efforts, and remain available for consultation as the district prepares for new leadership.
The Klamath County School District Board has not yet announced a timeline or process for selecting Szymoniak’s successor. Additional updates are expected as the district moves forward with transition planning.
Below is a full, unedited question-and-answer statement provided by Superintendent Szymoniak regarding his retirement.
KCSD Superintendent Glen Szymoniak helps the food service team serve students at Henley Middle School. (KCSD)
Q&A: Superintendent Glen Szymoniak on His Retirement
What led to your decision to resign/retire at the end of the school year?
After 45 years in education, including 18 years as a superintendent, I have decided that this is the appropriate time to retire. When Erin and I came to Klamath County School District, we anticipated staying for a shorter period; in fact, we remained two years longer than originally planned because we genuinely enjoyed our work and our time in the community. Ultimately, our growing number of grandchildren played a significant role in our decision, and we felt it was time to prioritize family while the district is in a strong and stable position.
How are you feeling about leaving the district and retiring as an educator?
I leave with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. Serving KCSD has been professionally rewarding and personally meaningful. While retirement brings mixed emotions, I am confident in the district’s direction and proud of the collective work accomplished alongside the board, staff, and community.
Are you planning to stay in Klamath County?
At this time, Erin and I are evaluating what makes the most sense for our family as we transition into retirement, particularly given the location of our children and grandchildren. Klamath County has been an important chapter in our lives, and we remain very appreciative of the relationships and experiences we have built here.
What are you looking forward to about retirement?
I am looking forward to spending more time with family, especially our grandchildren, and having the flexibility to enjoy life at a different pace. Retirement will also provide opportunities to pursue personal interests that have necessarily taken a back seat during the demands of a superintendent role.
What are some of the highlights of your time serving as superintendent in Klamath County?
Working with the KCSD Board over the past eight years has been exceptionally rewarding. Early in my tenure, the district adopted a comprehensive and ambitious strategic plan, and despite navigating the challenges of a global pandemic and recovery period, we successfully accomplished nearly all of its goals. The district is now in excellent financial condition, has completed successful negotiations with all bargaining groups, and offers students more learning opportunities than ever before, including expanded project-based learning and Career Technical Education programs.
Another significant highlight has been the ability to modernize facilities and construct new ones—such as the Bonanza and Chiloquin gyms, Mazama and Chiloquin turf fields, the Henley Construction Trades Center, and the Crater Lake Learning Center—without passing new bonds that would increase the burden on the community. These improvements were made possible through careful stewardship of one-time ESSER funds.
What do you hope to see come about for KCSD as it moves forward?
I am very optimistic about the district’s future, particularly continued improvements in student performance. KCSD’s high school graduation rates are among the highest in the state, and recent recognition from Oregon Stand for Children regarding our third-grade literacy growth affirms that our strategies are working. I hope to see the district continue to build on its investments in research-based instructional materials, staff training, and student-centered programs, ensuring long-term success for students and the community.
Cover image: Timothy Park (EdTech)
