The Central Kitsap School Board voted unanimously to release Superintendent Lynch from the remainder of his contract and accept his resignation on Wednesday. Board members then began the discussion of how to go about replacing the man they’ve had in charge for nearly a decade.

“It’s a big loss for our district, but we’re going to value from your expertise and leadership with the ESD,” board President Mark Gaines told Lynch following the vote.

Lynch announced to staff on March 29 that he had accepted the superintendent position with the Olympic Educational Service District, which serves the school districts of the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas.

During the union and PTSA reports additional speakers took the first moments of their time to thank Lynch for his service at the district.

Teachers’ union President Kirsten Nicholson congratulated Lynch on his new job with the service district. The union cast a vote of no confidence in Lynch last June, but none of that animosity appeared to be on display as Nicholson thank the superintendent for his service.

“We want to thank you for your leadership at this time and wish you well,” Nicholson said.

Classified staff representative Kari Clithero also thanked Lynch for his service during her report.

“Sometimes we get forgotten and he’s always made us feel important,” Clithero said.

Julietta Hokanson thank Lynch on behalf of the Parent Teacher Student Association, citing his consistent willingness to appear at district and school functions.

“It’s really exciting when I can go to just about any school and go to an after-school event and he’s there,” she said. “It really makes a difference.

Lynch will continue working as superintendent for central Kitsap through the end of June. He is set to take over as superintendent for the service district on July 1.

Immediately following its release of Lynch from his contract, the school board began discussing his replacement. On Saturday, April 13, the board will hold a special session to hear presentations from two search firms that connect districts with superintendents.

Michael Boring from McPherson & Jacobson and Dennis Ray from Northwest Leadership Associates will present for their respective companies in front of the board and any interested community members.

The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. After both firms have presented the board will deliberate and approve one of the firms to facilitate the district’s search process.

By law, the district must have a superintendent in place on July 1 when Lynch leaves. Whether or not that position is filled by a full-time or interim candidate remains to be seen.