Borgen announces retirement at end of school year Posted by Kimberly Jacobson | Oct 25, 2012 | 1012 views

Anacortes Superintendent Chris Borgen announced his intention to retire effective June 30 at the School Board meeting tonight.

Borgen, 59, has led the district since 2005. He has worked in the Anacortes School District for 33 years.

He was previously an English teacher and basketball coach at Anacortes High School beginning in 1979. He also served as principal at Fidalgo Elementary School and director of the Challenge Program, as well as the district’s director of learning and instruction and assistant superintendent.

“For personal, professional and family reasons, and with the best interest of the students and staff of Anacortes School District in mind, I will be retiring at the end of the school year,” he said.

He said it is not in any way a health-related decision. Borgen was out on medical leave for a short time to be treated for prostate cancer at the beginning of the 2011 school year.

“I remain in good health and look forward to what the next stage of life may bring,” he said.

The board tonight regretfully accepted his resignation.

“You’ve been a visionary and so dedicated. Your reputation speaks for you nationally,” said board president Jeannette Papadakis.

After some discussion, the board decided to look for a consultant to steer the district through a search for a new superintendent.

Papadakis said the board will go through an open and transparent process, accepting both internal and external candidates, to find the best fit for the district.