HARTFORD — Mark Smits, the leader of the Hartford Joint 1 School District, has announced his retirement from the district administrator position.
Smits has been the administrator — a similar position to that of a superintendent — for about 20 years. He announced his retirement to the Hartford community and school district families in a letter on Wednesday.
"While the decision is bittersweet, I am grateful to the Hartford community for the opportunity to serve in this role for the past 20 years. You have given me the opportunity to meet many wonderful families, staff, school board members, business partners and community members," Smits wrote.
Smits further said in his statement that he was thankful to have "worked alongside countless professionals who care for the community’s schools and work tirelessly to ensure the success of our students." He added that he has known both great joy and challenges during his time, including school referendums, the pandemic, adding programs to Hartford Joint 1 School District such as 4-yearold and all-day kindergarten, and more.
"It has been an incredibly fulfilling opportunity," Smits said. Smits also said he will be working closely with the HJT1 School Board and district leaders in the coming months before his retirement to ensure the transition goes well when he departs his position.
