13 Fresno Unified Principals Will Retire this year | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Fresno, CA John Mauer, Lawless principal said, "Let's start eating. Less visiting and more eat, 10 more minutes."

But after 36 years in education he's hanging up his hat; and he along with a dozen other Fresno unified principals are calling it quits.

John Lawless, Principal said, "You just know when it's time. It was the right time for me to try some other things."

Mauer says he signed on as principal at Lawless after Fresno Unified Superintendent Michael Hanson called on experienced educators to fill in during the district's last principal shortage.

Kim mecum, associate superintendent of human resources says the number of educators leaving the industry has been steady.

Kim Mecum, Fresno Unified School District said, "Two years ago I think we were 13 or 14. Last year a little less; just under 10. Next year we anticipate the same thing because of the retirement bubble."

Mecum says there are nearly 150 to 160 teachers, classified employees, and management staff that are now eligible to receive full retirement benefits.

She said the district has filled all but one vacant principal position, the one at Edison High. And 85 to 95 percent of the new hires for principals are Fresno Unified employees.

Kim Mecum, Fresno Unified said, "We have now vice principals who are more competitive there's been an increase hiring internally as opposed to two years ago."

As for Mauer he's looking forward to the days ahead.

John Mauer, Lawless principal said, "I'm probably going to play some bad golf.

But he said, he will never forget his students and relationships he's built over the years.

John Mauer, Lawless principal said, "I'm in the kid business this has been a wonderful experience."