Board accepts Prijatelj’s retirement
Charles Prijatelj will retire as Altoona Area School District superintendent this summer.
The school board approved his retirement Monday night.
Prijatelj, 63, has been with the school district for seven years and currently is in the 40th year of his career.
“It’s time,” Prijatelj said when asked why he was retiring.
The retirement will be effective July 14.
In the next few months, Prijatelj said he wants to develop a strong transition plan for the new superintendent and ensure all projects are finished.
“When I was hired, I talked about enjoying the challenges — I met those with the board and wished the best for them,” he said.
Board President Frank Meloy said the board and he would miss Prijatelj.
“This is the retirement of somebody who has done a great job leading our school district, and I know you have reached that point in your professional career and you have reached that decision,” he said.
Prijatelj expressed his gratitude to everyone for the opportunity.
Prijatelj said he thought they got a lot done and made a lot of strides for improving education for kids.
“I appreciate the support and help that everyone has given me in making these seven years possible,” he said.
In other business, the board approved a request to enter a six-year agreement with Saavas Learning to purchase grades six to eight English curriculum resources not to exceed $320,000.
The board also approved a change order for the high school roof project to install a new metal edge over the pool roof area for $8,524.04 and replace an existing roof hatch for $5,419.26.
A confidential separation and release agreement between the district and AFSCME Local 2952 and an employee effective Feb. 8 was also approved.
Mirror staff writer Cati Keith can be reached at 814-946-7535.