Ready for something new

Superintendent P. Duff Rearick says he'll miss the children

March 30, 2007|by KATE S. ALEXANDER

GREENCASTLE, PA. - After 12 years as superintendent of the Greencastle-Antrim School District, P. Duff Rearick will close his office door for the last time today.

Rearick came to the school district in 1980 as an assistant high school principal and after a brief time working in neighboring districts, he returned to Greencastle in 1995 as superintendent.

Today does not mark the beginning of retirement for Rearick, but rather a new career path.

"My work is my play," he said. "I don't think I will ever retire, just transition to something new."

Jack Appleby, director of secondary education for the Greencastle-Antrim School District has worked closely with Rearick during the last 12 years.

He described the lifelong educator as a visionary, a "wizard" in the realm of education.

"He was able to create Camelot," Appleby said. "We are a public school district that looks like a private one."

For 12 years the administration of the Greencastle-Antrim School District has approached education as a whole - encompassing all grades.

"Every child has the ability to design an individual plan. The opportunities are endless especially at the high school," Rearick said.

While the retirement of Rearick moves the district in a new direction, he is confident it is in good hands.

"I feel good about the way Greencastle is going. Where it is going is up to someone else," Rearick said.

Starting Monday, Greg Hoover will take over as substitute superintendent.

School board President Dan Fisher said Hoover will substitute in the role until the end of June or until the board votes on the process to hire a new superintendent.

As he prepared to leave this week, Rearick looked both to the past and the future.

"What I will miss most are the children," he said.

Though not entirely certain what he will do next, Rearick said he plans to work in his consulting business and spend time with his grandchildren Jordan, Sydney, Luke and Dominick.

"I am a creator not a long-distance runner," he said. "I admire men like Jack who can stay in one job their entire career, but it is time for me to move on."

Rearick began his career as a physical education teacher and football coach in Williamsburg, Va.

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