The executive director of Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School announced his plans to retire following this school year.

Kurt Speicher confirmed Thursday morning that he is retiring June 30. The school's joint operating committee is currently seeking a replacement.

“I'd prefer to wait until the search is complete and we are closer to the end of the school year before I make any comments,” Speicher said Thursday.

Speicher assumed the role of executive director in 2015 after previously serving as principal and assistant director of the school.

John Conrad, a 14-year veteran of the joint operating committee, said officials hope to begin interviewing candidates for the position in December. The committee is composed of representatives from Butler County's seven public school districts. The vo-tech educates students from all the districts across 15 programs.

“I think it's going to be a loss for the vo-tech, no doubt about it,” Conrad said. “Hopefully, we'll find someone who will be able to fill his shoes.”

Conrad is one of three Butler Area School District board members serving on the operating committee. The others are Bill Halle and Suzie Bradrick.

Both Bradrick and Conrad said they hope to have someone chosen and available to work with Speicher on the job this spring.

Brian White, Butler's superintendent, is the superintendent of record for the vo-tech. He said he's pleased with the state of the vo-tech today.

“I would like to congratulate Mr. Speicher on his retirement and thank him for the tremendous work he has done at the Butler County Vo-Tech,” White said. “He leaves the school on a solid foundation, with expanded programming and strong enrollments. The Butler County Vo-Tech is something we all can be proud of.”

The school is already advertising the position. During the previous search, the committee received 10 applications for the job.