GENESEE COUNTY, MI — Swartz Creek Community Schools Interim Superintendent Jim Kitchen is stepping down from the role.
The Flint-area educator announced his departure in a Facebook post Friday, Dec. 19.
Kitchen began as an elementary principal in Swartz Creek 15 years ago, he said. He also served as high school principal and deputy superintendent.
He stepped into the interim role in June when Rod Hetherton left to lead Zeeland Public Schools, MLive previously reported.
While each role deepened his respect for the community and public education, leadership also removed him from working directly with students, Kitchen said.
“That connection – the daily relationships, the learning, the growth, the moments that shape lives has always been my ‘why,’” he said. “It is that calling that now leads me to my next chapter.”
Kitchen did not detail what’s to come in his next chapter, but thanked district leadership, staff, students and families for a memorable experience.
“It has been a privilege to serve alongside you and to be part of a district with such strong pride and tradition,” he said.