Steve Jennings, who has headed the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District for the past three years, announced his retirement at the June 1 board meeting. The 39-year veteran educator will serve until Feb. 29, 2012.

Jennings said he is excited to enter the next phase of his life, but added he will miss working with the many wonderful employees, parents and community members who are so dedicated to quality education in this community.

Steve Jennings

“One of the biggest rewards of my position has been the passion this community has for its schools,” Jennings said. “The financial and emotional support this area gives to education is remarkable.”

None of the current board members was serving when he was hired.

Kirsten Livak, TTUSD board president, praised Jennings’ achievements. Livak admires Jennings’ ability to remain calm.

“He never pressed the panic button, no matter what was thrown his way,” she commented. “Despite many complex challenges, Steve’s ability to stay focused established a sense of stability, continuity, and reliability among his staff. The principals came to see him as a source of strong leadership that was very much needed in TTUSD. We will most certainly miss Mr. Jennings. He has made many positive contributions to our community.”

Jennings, who was hired by TTUSD in March 2008, worked as a teacher and principal in Montana before coming to California in 1988. He served as principal, deputy superintendent, and superintendent in Paradise for 20 years before taking over operations at TTUSD.

After 39 years in education, Jennings said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family. An avid fly fisherman, he and his wife plan to eventually move back to Montana.

Livak said the governance subcommittee of the TTUSD board will work with a specialized recruitment firm as well as district administration to develop criteria for the position and search for a replacement.