R-80 board accepts resignation, begins superintendent search

McColloch has been hired as the Washington school district's new assistant superintendent of finance and operations. He will begin his new role on July 1.

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McColloch has been the R-80 superintendent for the last five years. He served as assistant superintendent at Salem for five years before taking over as superintendent, and was Salem Junior High principal for five years before moving to the central office.

In comments to the board, McColloch said the job opportunity was unexpected. “It just kind of came along,” he said.” It caught me by surprise a little bit. Washington is a place I’ve always kind of had my eye on. It’s a great opportunity. There’s a future there for me also to make some advancements and it’s a move I’d like to make.”

Board member Holly Erway expressed her reluctance when a motion was made to accept the resignation. “I appreciate all you’ve done, John,” she said. “It’s a sad day.”

“I think it’s been a great five years,” McColloch told the board. “Obviously we’ve had some bumps along the way but overall I think we’ve done a lot of good these last five years.”

In his resignation letter, McColloch said he appreciated the trust placed in him to lead the R-80 district during his tenure. "The decision to leave Salem was especially difficult, but this is a great opportunity for me professionally and one I need to pursue," the letter stated.

He said he and the school board "have accomplished a number of positive things for our students and community. I love this school district and this community," he wrote. "Salem is home and will always be my home."

McColloch said he will continue in his current capacity until July 1 "to ensure a smooth transition for my successor," and offered to help the district in current and future endeavors beyond that date.

Washington’s assistant superintendent of finance and operations is responsible for the administration and overall business operations of the district and serves as a member of the superintendent’s executive team with a central role in district planning, analysis, efficiency efforts and long-range planning, according to the district's website.