Fountain Hills Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sweeney announced this week that he plans to retire in June.

Sweeney plans to step away from a 33-year career in education, the past three of which have been spent as superintendent of the local school district. In a statement emailed to FHUSD parents on Monday, March 19, Sweeney said his decision comes after considerable thought and consideration.

“…I am sincerely grateful for the trust and confidence our governing board has vested in me,” Sweeney said. “Likewise, the support, trust and confidence of our parents, staff and community is appreciated and valued beyond my ability to explain in words.”

Sweeney said that the hiring process for his replacement will begin immediately. It is expected that a proposed timeline for hiring the next superintendent will be discussed during the governing board meeting this evening, March 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the District Learning Center.