Schools

Hottel Announces Retirement

The superintendent of schools will step down in June.

After much speculation, Superintendent Chris Hottel announced Thursday that he will retire when the school year ends in June 2012 when his contract expires.

School Committee Chair Chris Allen said while the committee was reviewing Hottel's contract for possible extension or renewal, Hottel told them he planned to retire.

"It was a little bit of a surprise," Allen said. "I'm sad to see im go; I think he's just been terrific."

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Hottel, 65, has been at the helm in the school district during a tough time. During his term, economic turmoil has And in the last school year alone, North Andover High School has endured and a

"I work closely with him, and he is one of the most honest people that I've ever dealt with," Allen said of Hottel's leadership during those tough times. "He really has a wonderful sense of integrity. He's intelligent, and he handled these issues really well.”

Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Assistant Superintendent Kevin Hutchinson will step into the role of superintendent when Hottel leaves.

"It's so fortunate that we have someone like Dr. Hutchinson, who is more than capable with helping us with the transition," Allen said. "Someone who is anxious to do the job and who we all really respect and admire."


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