ADAMS TWP — Stating it wants to proceed “in a different direction,” Mars Area School Board will not be renewing Superintendent Wesley Shipley's contract when it expires June 30.

Shipley was hired in April 2015 under a four-year contract.

Board President John Kennedy reminded the public at Tuesday night's meeting the decision to extend Shipley's contract for a year had been made in 2019.

Kennedy said the choice coincided with the decision of four board members not to seek re-election last November.

Five new members joined the nine-member board at the beginning of the year.

District solicitor Tom King explained a one-year contract extension was granted by the board when Shipley's contract expired last summer.

“The board had to make a decision,” King said. “At that time, it was very appropriate.

“It's now time for the new board … to reset for the future,” Kennedy said.

King clarified the district expects Shipley to continue his duties through the end of his contract. King said a written notice to be sent to Shipley does not reflect any negative feelings on behalf of the district.

“His performance has always been satisfactory,” King said. “The new board … intends to proceed in a different direction.”

Christine Valenta was the only board member who voted against not renewing Shipley's contract.

Shipley did not attend the meeting. An email to him after the meeting seeking comment wasn't answered by press time.

The board also authorized Kennedy and vice president Rita Dorsch to find search consultants to assist the district in finding candidates, if needed.

Mars high school teacher and union president Scott McCarthy addressed the board Tuesday night on the decision. McCarthy said Shipley informed him of the board's decision prior to the meeting.

“I felt the need to respond publicly,” McCarthy said. “Not just on behalf of the association.”

McCarthy said he regretted he never told Shipley he was happy to have him as a superintendent.

“Maybe I should have spoken sooner,” McCarthy said. “Above all, he is someone who understands truly what we are trying to accomplish here.”

McCarthy said while he didn't always agree with Shipley, he does respect him. He told the board Shipley worked with district staff to provide a good learning environment for students. McCarthy called Shipley a true teacher.

“There was never a time I felt judged when we met,” McCarthy said. “I am forever grateful for his insight.”

McCarthy told the board he hopes district staff and teachers will be consulted in the search for a new superintendent. The search is still in “early stages,” according to the board.

Valenta said she has been a board member for four rounds of superintendents. “I look at what's happened in that period that Dr. Shipley's been here,” Valenta said. “And I say, 'Wow.' ”

Valenta said Shipley had an “uphill climb” when he arrived in the district. She said her vote against not retaining Shipley was based on Shipley's achievements in areas of curriculum, programming and overall education.

Valenta said the public sees about 40 percent of the board's decision-making process at public meetings. The other 60 percent usually happens in closed session. “I'm proud of the vote that I made,” Valenta said. “I think we've come a long, long way.”

The board anticipates conducting a superintendent search for the 2020-21 school year.

Assistant superintendent Elizabeth McMahon, who has been serving as interim principal for the primary center, will move back to her assistant superintendent role full time. McMahon will lead the search for a new interim primary principal.

A formal statement from the board was posted on the district website following the meeting. Kennedy said he looks forward to the district's future.

“I think this board is capable of building a great 2020,” Kennedy said.