Citing some health issues, Dr. Craig Younkman announced at the school board meeting on Jan. 12 he was retiring this June from his job as superintendent.
He also said he wanted to pursue other opportunities in a different field outside of education.
Lake Orion School Board members appointed Christine Lehman, currently assistant superintendent of human resources, to replace him effective July 1.
Dr. Younkman has been superintendent since July 1999. He had been the superintendent of the Western School District on the other side of the state before coming to Lake Orion to replace retiring superintendent Bob Bass.
Dr. Younkman has spent 33 years in public education, 29 of which as an administrator.
According to board president Leeann Bartley, Dr. Younkman’s current contract was expiring in June 2006 and he had told board members he wasn’t going to stay in the district any longer than that.
‘It’s a relief to appoint someone we know. She’s the perfect person for the job,? said Bartley in reference to Lehman’s appointment. ‘The transition I believe will be seamless.?
Bartley said this year it might have been difficult to do a superintendent search because it’s estimated that 80 superintendents in the state will be retiring making it a competitive market to find a new one.
And conducting a job search for a new superintendent isn’t cheap. Bartley estimated that the search would have cost Lake Orion $20,000 to $25,000.
‘I wish Craig the best,? Lehman said. ‘I’m looking forward to working with such a great district. Lake Orion’s my second home and it’s always been wonderful to me.
‘I’m honored and I’m taking this job very seriously. We have quality students, a wonderful community and an outstanding staff.?
Lehman has been in the school district since 1979. She came to Lake Orion from the Cherry Hill School District in Inkster.
Her degree was in Home Economics and Science. She first taught Home Economics at Lake Orion High School, then at East Junior High School (now Scripps Middle School).
Lehman said she was laid-off for a year and then came back to the high school as an assistant principal. She has a master’s degree in counseling and has done course work in administration.
Lehman was also principal of Carpenter and Orion Oaks Elementary Schools and did a six week stint as principal of Scripps.
Growing up in Ubly, Lehman said she always wanted to be a teacher. ‘My parents were supportive of me getting an education. They valued education. It wasn’t if (I was going to college) but where,? she added.
Two years ago, Lehman was going to retire. ‘With all the budget things, it wasn’t the right time. So much was going on.?
Lehman said her husband Terry is very supportive of her becoming Lake Orion’s superintendent. ‘I would not have taken the job, if he had not been supportive.?
According to Lehman, Younkman’s announcement that he was retiring this year was surprising. ‘Craig was going to stay on until 2006.? she said.
Lehman told school board members she ‘was going to open some new doors and bring a new perspective? to the superintendent’s job.
‘Craig is a strong leader financially. I think I have a more people-oriented background because I’ve been in human resources.?
Lehman believes the transitional period between now and June will be very helpful to her, bringing her up to speed.
According to Bartley, Leman’s former job as assistant superintendent has already been posted.
‘I’m sure we can find an internal person. We have skilled administrators,? she said.