Dr. Robert Newhart attended his last high school graduations over the weekend as St. Joseph School District superintendent.

Newhart announced in August 2017, that this would be his last year with the district. The SJSD began a search for a new superintendent and announced earlier this year that Dr. Doug Van Zyl was named as the next superintendent. Van Zyl will begin his new role as superintendent with the SJSD on July 1st.

Newhart said he plans to take some time off to spend with his family after June.

“In 34 years, I’ve never been on a trip with just my wife. We’re actually taking that trip this summer,” Newhart said. “You put so much energy into your job and into your focus and other people’s lives. My family has been great supporters of me professionally.. I’m just going to step back and see what, from family and personally, would be the best situation for taking me to my next stage in life.”

Newhart said while there are many negatives talked about regarding the public school systems, he’s seen many positives far outweigh the negatives during his time with the District.

“We’ve increased our graduation requirements, we’ve upped those standards, we’ve gone to the Latin system of recognition at our graduations, you’re seeing that transition at this recent graduation,” Newhart said. “We had over $10 million combined total between our three high schools in scholarship dollars awarded. We’ve set a higher standard that these kids are now reaching and this has all been done in basically three years and those standards need to continue to increase so you do have a great school system.”

Newhart added that attendance increased in the District with Lafayette increasing its attendance by almost 10 percent this year and about 60 percent of SJSD high school students enroll in two or four year college, in a military function or job related training.

Newhart said he did reach some of his goals that he set at the beginning of his time here, including putting checks and balances in place. He said one of his regrets is not passing the tax levy issue in November.

“I do not regret going for it like we did,” Newhart said. “Throughout this time frame, I’ve prided myself in being transparent, being open, being honest. We had to find out what the community would support or not support.”

Newhart said through everything needing to be done and discussed moving forward between the new superintendent, the school board and the community, the important thing is to keep the focus on students and their success.

“That’s why we’re all in this business, that’s why the community supports the school system, (it’s) for student success.”