CARLISLE — Dennis Hern has one goal to accomplish before stepping down June 29 as superintendent of the Carlisle Local Schools, a position he's held for nearly four years.

        He wants to see voters approve the $6.57 million bond issue and 2-mill permanent improvement levy the Carlisle Board of Education put on the May 8 ballot to pay for classroom additions and school improvements. Passage of those two issues, he says, would ensure the district has classrooms for the expected influx of students over the next decade.

        “I want to see this district build to the future,” said Mr. Hern, 54, who is retiring after 33 years in education. “The next decade is going to be one of tremendous change with the addition of 800 new homes. This issue will put the foundation in place for classrooms.”

        Mr. Hern is one of two administrators this northwest Warren County school district will lose at the end of June. Treasurer Bonnie Milligan is resigning after 21 years to become treasurer of the Warren County Educational Service Center.

        Mr. Hern has made some friends while at Carlisle.

        “Dennis is one of the ultimate superintendents in the state of Ohio,” said Steve Simpkins, who has been on the Carlisle board 14 years. “He set our curriculum back on track. He brought more focus to proficiency scoring and academic achievement. He has been tremendously involved in our community. I will miss him a lot.”

        Mr. Hern said he is retiring primarily for health reasons. After his 1996 heart attack and a bout with pneumonia, he says he no longer can work the 15-hour days it takes to do his job well.

        “My heart's still in education. That's my love, my career,” said the Hamilton Township man. “I want to stay in education, but I'm ready to move to part-time work.”

        Mr. Simpkins said he also would miss Ms. Milligan's expertise in utility deregulation and what it means to the district, home of the Hutchings Power Plant.

        “She's done a great job for us and is a great person to work with. We hate losing her,” Mr. Simpkins said.

        The board of education is accepting applications for treasurer through March 23 and superintendent through March 31.

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