OXFORD, Mich. (WWJ) – Oxford Community Schools Superintendent Tim Throne says he's putting his previously planned retirement on hold in the wake of last month's deadly school shooting.
Throne's last scheduled day in the district was supposed to be Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, he said in a letter to parents. But after talking with his family, his pastor and school board members, he has "made the decision to hit pause on my planned retirement to avoid adding additional uncertainty or disruption to our school community, which has suffered so much."
Throne didn't provide a timeline for when he will resume plans to retire.
"Trying to support our families, staff and community members as they grieve as well as supporting the safe and slow return to school has been my mission as your superintendent," Throne said in the letter, which can be found on the school's website.
"I want to thank our community and staff for rallying together through this challenging ordeal. We have also appreciated the support, prayers and encouragement from people within Oxford, across our state, and around the world."
Throne says he remains solely focused on responding to the tragedy in which four students were killed and seven other people were wounded when a 15-year-old student opened fire inside Oxford High School on Nov. 30.
"I am committed to making sure our students, families, and staff are fully supported during this difficult time for our community. Now is simply not the right time for me to leave," Throne said.
He plans to work with district administrators in the coming weeks "to help ensure a smooth transition and give our School Board some additional time to complete its superintendent search while we continue to heal as a community."
