BUFFALO TWP — A fixture in the Freeport School District for 40 years will leave this summer.

Business manager William Reilly will depart at the end of June.

The school board in December opted to not automatically renew Reilly’s contract, which ends June 30.

School board President Dan Lucovich said in an interview the district is searching for a business manager.

“We’re moving forward,” Lucovich said. “I think Mr. Reilly is, too.”

Reilly, 69, declined to comment about the board action, but did say he isn’t set yet on what he will do.

“My plans are undecided,” he said.

Lucovich insisted Reilly knew this was his last contract.

“It’s just a formality to put in the minutes,” Lucovich said.

However, school board Vice President Mark Shoaf, who made the motion to not renew the contract, indicated the district was ready for a change.

“We had to bite the bullet,” Shoaf said.

Although the district is moving in another direction, Shoaf had nothing but praise for Reilly’s work.

“It’s a good run,” Shoaf said, referring to Reilly’s tenure. “We have great respect for Bill.”

Lucovich also lauded Reilly’s efforts on behalf of the district.

In the Dec. 12 vote, the board voted 6 to 1 against renewing the contract.

According to meeting minutes, Susan Lowers dissented, Mike Huth abstained and John Marty was absent.

Lowers said in an interview that her vote was intended as an affirmation of Reilly’s work.

“I just supported his job there,” she said.