Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Daniel A. Domenech announced Wednesday his intent to retire, effective March 5, 2004. In a letter to the School Board, Domenech attributed his reasons for leaving as "personal and professional," citing a desire to be closer to his parents, older children and grandchildren.
Dan Storck, incoming school board member for the Mount Vernon District, said that he was very surprised by the announcement.
"I'm deeply disappointed. He will be greatly missed and tough to replace," said Storck. "My disappointment is not to be able to work with him."
As an incoming school board member, this will add an extra job to his and other board members' already overflowing plate. Storck said that if they needed to do a national search they would, but that if there was somebody local who was qualified they would look at them as well.
"We're going to be looking for somebody to do at least as much as he [Domenech] did," said Storck. "With the death of Dr. Nancy Sprague, this is a lot of change. Both have been great leaders for the schools."
Domenech became FCPS superintendent in January 1998, previously holding superintendencies in the state of New York. Beginning March 8, 2004, Domenech will become senior vice president of urban markets for McGraw-Hill Education in New York, according to an FCPS press release.
Storck and other school board members will be sworn in on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m. at Jackson Middle School.