Lake Ridge Superintendent Sharon Johnson-Shirley abruptly announced her retirement last week, setting the effective date as Tuesday.
She submitted a letter of intent to retire to the school board prior to its Thursday meeting. She did not attend the meeting.
Johnson-Shirley served as Lake Ridge superintendent for the past 19 years.
The board voted unanimously to accept the retirement during Thursday’s meeting.
Typically, superintendents provide several months of lead time to school boards when they intend to retire. Nothing was said about the short retirement notice during the board meeting.
The school board is expected to appoint an interim superintendent as it begins a search for its next leader.
Sandwiched between Gary and Griffith in unincorporated Calumet Township, Lake Ridge has 1,530 students in three schools.
Data from Indiana Gateway showed Johnson-Shirley received a salary of $179,759 last year.
It couldn’t be determined when her contract expires.
Business manager Adrian Wilkerson wished Johnson-Shirley well and thanked her for the opportunity she provided with the district five years ago.
Assistant Superintendent Cynthia Mose-Trevino also thanked Johnson-Shirley for serving as a mentor.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
