Center Superintendent David Leone announces retirement

Center School District Superintendent David Leone announced Wednesday that he will be retiring at the end of the school year.

He spent 27 years in the south Kansas City district and 40 years in education, but will serve just one year as superintendent because of concerns with his health and his wish to spend more time with his family.

“This was not my plan when I signed on (to be superintendent),” the 61-year-old educator said. “I intended to stay a few years in the district I dearly love.”

Leone had taken over the helm after former Superintendent Bob Bartman retired last June. Leone had served as the special assistant to the superintendent. In past years he had been a principal, central office administrator and assistant superintendent in a district that has established itself as one of the area’s highest-performing urban school systems.

Center school board President Joe Nastasi praised Leone for his service, saying in a written statement, “Although some unforeseen health challenges have shortened his time as superintendent, it will not diminish the love he has shown the Center family.”

The board will begin discussions on a search process in an open board meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at Boone Elementary School, 8817 Wornall Road.