By WUKY
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-949716.mp3
Lexington, KY – After 37 years as an educator and administrator, Stu Silberman is ready to retire. The Fayette County Public Schools superintendent made the announcement Tuesday.
"You just get to a point in your life when you know it's your time to retire. And that's kind of where I am on it. I have a three-year-old beautiful granddaughter who has pretty much changed my life. So my decision is really based on being able to spend some time with my family."
When Silberman took the helm in 2004, he was the school district's fifth superintendent in three years. He will fall short of his original plan to stay ten years.
"The purpose of that was to build stability into the district. And I believe within this seven years, we have that stability and we have a great foundation in place to -- whoever comes in-- to help us move forward to the next steps."
Fayette County Public Schools is made up of some 37,000 students and more than 5,000 personnel.
During his tenure, Silberman helped the school district boost its scores on state accountability tests and expand its course offerings. In 2008, Silberman was one of four finalists for National Superintendent of the Year.
Silberman's final days on the job will be in July. The 59-year-old says he plans to stay in Lexington, where his granddaughter also lives.