Eastern York superintendent: Retiring 'a difficult decision'

The superintendent of Eastern York School District is retiring after more than 20 years with the district.

The Eastern York school board unanimously approved the retirement of Superintendent Darla Pianowski at its regular monthly board meeting on Thursday, Oct. 19, according to board secretary Teresa Weaver.

Pianowski will depart the district at the end of the 2017-18 school year.

In a phone interview Tuesday afternoon, Pianowski said she has considered retirement for some time but added it is with a heavy heart she will ultimately leave.

"It really is a difficult decision, but this job is a 24/7 job," she said.

"I am looking forward to enriching the parts of my life that have taken a backseat, (including) family, relationships, living a healthy life and spirituality."

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Pianowski started at the district in 1997 as an assistant principal at Eastern York Middle School.

She became principal of the school, assistant superintendent and, finally, in 2006,  superintendent.

In addition to her responsibilities at Eastern, Pianowski is the superintendent of record at York Adams Academy. She was the superintendent of record at York County School of Technology for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years.

She is the longest-serving superintendent in the Eastern York School District.

Prior to her arrival at Eastern, Pianowski worked as a teacher at both the York City and Southern York County school districts.

She said her tenure at the district is in no small thanks to all of the teachers, administrators and school board members who strive to give the best possible education to district students.

"The experience here has helped me grow not only professionally but personally as well," she said.

Board President Mark Keller said it is unfortunate to see Pianowski depart but added her work will not be forgotten by staff and students.

"She's been a very positive influence on the district," he said. "Test scores are going up (and) budgets are being controlled due to her leadership."

Keller said the school board will hold a closed-door work session within the next two weeks to figure out logistics in searching for a new superintendent and aims to start the process by mid-November.