SpringfieldNewsSun.com

URBANA —After 30 years in education, Madison-Champaign's Educational Service Center superintendent is going to take it easy for a while.

Judy Saylor, who has served as superintendent since 2001, announced her retirement at a board meeting Monday, April 28. Her last day in office will be Dec. 31.

The ESC provides support and therapy programs for several school districts in the area. Along with programs for gifted students, it also provides services for students with special needs. In Champaign County, the ESC serves Urbana City Schools, West Liberty Schools, and the Triad Local School District, among others.

While Saylor enjoyed the work, she wanted more time to spend with her family. For now, she's planning on spending some time at a home her family recently purchased in South Carolina.

"I'm going to try to perfect my golf game and spend time with my family and friends," she said.

Mary Lee Gecowets, board president for the ESC, said Saylor helped smooth the transition a few years ago when service centers in Madison and Champaign counties merged to create the current organization.

"She's very talented in that arena in putting two counties together and servicing the districts in those two counties," Gecowets said.

Saylor credited her administrators and staff with most of the improvements made to the service center in recent years.

The search for a new superintendent will likely begin at the ESC's next board meeting in May, Gecowets said.

Board members will develop a time line for determining the qualifications needed and how the search will be conducted.

Ideally, she said, a new superintendent will be selected before Saylor leaves office, allowing time for the candidate to become familiar with the job. Gecowets also said the board will likely look for a candidate who is willing to be involved in the community.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.

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