Superintendent of Delaware’s largest school district will depart in 2012

Just two-and-a-half years into her tenure, the superintendent of New Castle County’s Christina School District has submitted her resignation to the Board of Education.

Dr. Marcia Lyles announced at Tuesday night’s meeting that she would not seek an extension of her contract.  Her resignation will be effective June 30th, 2012. 

Lyles arrived at Delaware’s largest school district from New York City in 2009, after former superintendent Lillian Lowery was appointed Delaware Secretary of Education by Governor Jack Markell. 

“Together we crafted a compelling vision, fueled by a relentless commitment to excellence and equity and a deep belief in what we could and must accomplish on behalf of every student,” Lyles said in a message posted on the Christina School District website. She added that “the work that we started together will continue, and this district will succeed because of our community’s dedication to Christina’s students and schools.”

Lyles did not state a reason for her resignation.  Lyles said she “prayed on it, consulted family and friends, and made long lists of pros and cons in arriving at my decision.”

About 16,800 students are enrolled in Christina School District schools, and about 2,500 people work for the district.  It is Delaware’s largest district and includes portions of Wilmington, all of Newark, and various suburban communities.