Central Tech Superintendent Phil Waul announced his retirement Tuesday night at the monthly board of education meeting. On June 30, Waul plans to leave the district he has led since 1998.

In a letter to the board, Waul said it was an honor and privilege to serve the board of education as superintendent for the past 17 years. “I have experienced an unbelievable career at Central Tech filled with exciting opportunities, wonderful experiences and life-long friendships. The time is right for me to retire.”

Waul began his career at Central Tech 42 years ago as a drafting instructor and moved up through the administration ranks to become superintendent.

“I have been blessed to be associated with a professional board and surrounded by extraordinary, dedicated, hard-working staff members committed to providing a positive atmosphere for students and businesses to succeed,” he wrote.

Waul recently saw the district through the schools’ 45th anniversary and open house. He has been instrumental in creating a culture dedicated to instructional excellence and changing students’ lives as seen through the school’s 93% placement rate and 92% industry endorsed assessment pass rate.

Waul says he is confident the board has the right administrative team in place, naming Assistant Superintendent Ron Dyer as the next superintendent. The promotion of such a dedicated individual and the importance of developing a mentoring succession plan allows the district to transition seamlessly.

Incoming Superintendent Dyer stated, “Phil Waul has provided tremendous leadership since I began my career at Central Tech in 1989 and then accepted the assistant superintendent position in 2000. His vision and direction will serve as my example as I lead Central Tech into the future.”