By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

NORWOOD - Barbara Rider, superintendent of Norwood Schools since October 1999, will step down July 31.

But she will continue working for the district of 3,000 students at reduced pay through Dec. 31, when she will retire after 30 years in education.

"It's time for me to go. I'm looking forward to pursuing other interests," said Rider, who joined the Norwood Schools as a high school French teacher in 1976.

The announcement comes six weeks after Norwood voters rejected a $54.9 million bond issue by more than a 3-to-1 margin.

The bond issue would have paid to rebuild, raze or add classrooms to Norwood schools.

Rider said her decision to retire was not related to the bond issue failure.

The board is expected to accept Rider's retirement and change in status at Thursday's meeting, said Susan Geselbracht, president.

"She's making a very easy transition for a new superintendent, who can start at the beginning of a new school year,'' Geselbracht said. "She's been a member of our community for 27 years and it's been her focus.''

From Aug. 1 through her retirement Ryder will earn $300 a day and will work on special projects in the area of staff development, teacher support, curriculum and instruction and testing. Ryder said she would move from the administration building to an office at the high school.

"I'm looking forward to reduced responsibility, yet assisting where I can in helping the district continue its progress," said Rider, 51, of Montgomery.

Once she leaves the district, Rider said she would like to return to school to pursue a doctoral degree. She holds a bachelor's degree from Grove City College and a master's from Xavier University.

During her tenure at Norwood, Rider also was director of adult education; assistant principal at the high school; director of curriculum, instruction and assessment; and an assistant superintendent for instruction.

Rider is a member of Norwood's Business and Professional Women's Club, on the Norwood Service League and on the Richard E. Lindner Family YMCA Committee of Management.

E-mail suek@infi.net