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Article published Jan 9, 2008
Muncie Supt. Marlin Creasy announces plans to retire
By OSEYE T. BOYD
oboyd@muncie.gannett.com
MUNCIE -- An otherwise routine Muncie Community School Board meeting turned emotional Tuesday night as Supt. Marlin Creasy submitted his letter of resignation, confirming his plans to retire in June. Reading his resignation letter, Creasy choked up as he spoke about the support of his wife and family. "It was easier in front of computer, I think," the veteran educator quipped. Creasy's last day on the job will be June 27.
He was superintendent for Delaware Community Schools before coming to Muncie in 1998. Emotions continued to run high as school board members spoke about Creasy's tenure. When he arrived, the district had several problems that Creasy addressed, Jennifer Abrell said. Abrell also noted Creasy attends numerous school functions, making sure to wear a tie and lanyard with the appropriate school colors. Board member Michael Gorin, who worked as an administrator under Creasy, noted the superintendent's "dogged determination." "Thank you for the leadership you have provided for this corporation," Gorin said. Vice President Marilyn Carey was the most passionate when she spoke of Creasy's commitment to the district. At times, she seemed to almost chastise any critics of the outgoing superintendent. "You don't get that kind of commitment from a lot of people that are in that kind of position," Carey said. "He's always had an open door policy, always. Now, maybe some of you haven't tried to open the door; that's not his fault. ... We are moving in the right direction, whether you like it or not." Muncie Teachers Association President Pat Kennedy said she hadn't expected Creasy to announce his retirement.
Many in the public may not realize the challenges of being a superintendent as well as the amount of internal politics involved, Kennedy said. "I'm surprised, and shocked," Kennedy said. "He will be missed by the school corporation. We had an excellent working relationship. We work things out professionally." In other board news, the board named William Jones as interim principal for Central High School and Jackie Samuels as interim assistant principal. Jones will replace current principal Dick Daniel when he retires Jan. 26.
Jones is currently serving as interim associate principal at Central. Samuels is the current supervisor for the Youth Opportunity Center). YOC teacher Anna Epperly will become interim supervisor there.
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