After over 25 years in the Lake Orion school district, Superintendent Christine Lehman will say good-bye this summer.
She made the announcement last week that she will retire June 30, when her contract is up.
Lehman started in Lake Orion schools in 1979 as a home economics teacher at Lake Orion High School. From there, she taught at East Junior High (now Scripps Middle School), was an assistant principal at LOHS, principal at Carpenter Elementary and principal of Orion Oaks, which she helped build.
Following her principalship, she took an internship in the central office, then became assistant superintendent in charge of human resources and, three years ago, became superindendent.
‘It was a very difficult decision, but it’s the right one,? Lehman said. ‘I’m excited for a new phase in my life.?
Lehman added that she plans on staying in the area, and it’s her plan ‘to have no plan? for the time being. She wants to spend time with her mother and son, among other things.
‘Lake Orion has been my home,? Lehman said, noting that it was always a goal of the district, and one of her personal goals, that as the district has grown to ‘keep the small town, family feel.?
‘The best part of Lake Orion are the kids and their families,? she added. ‘That’s the thing that has made working in this district so great.?
Lehman plans on maintaining her relationships and not letting go of the connections she’s made when she retires.
Lehman is the second superintendent to retire in so many years, as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum David Beiter hung up his hat last summer after many years in the district.
According to Lehman, it is the school board’s decision on how to proceed to find a new superintendent.
‘Lake Orion has an excellent board and they will decide what their steps are to continue a strong leadership,? she noted.