Union Superintendent Announces June Retirement

After nearly two decades as the district's top administrator, Union Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Cathy Burden plans to retire in June 2013.

Burden made the announcement during the employee annual back-to-school kickoff Thursday at Union High School's Performing Arts Center, a news release said.

"I have been one of the most fortunate people on earth to spend 19 years at Union in a profession that I am passionate about and in a district and job that I love," Burden said.

Burden also announced Union's Board of Education already had a plan in place for her replacement.

Associate Superintendent Dr. Kirt Hartzler will spend this school year as deputy superintendent, taking on more of the day-to-day responsibilities as she focuses on engaging the community in support of Union schools and public education in general.