Stan F. Mack II, superintendent of schools in Robbinsdale, has announced he will retire June 30, after finishing up the current school year. He's held the Robbinsdale job since 2000.

Here are excerpts from Mack's letter to the school board:

"I have been giving consideration to the content of this letter for nearly six months, asking myself, Do I desire to extend my employment contract with the Robbinsdale Area School Board for three more years … Part of my deliberation has been influenced by the theme of the Roman Catholic Church that I attend; the need for the common good. Based on many conversations with my wife Margaret, my sons Stashie, Mikhail and Kiehlor, and several close friends and colleagues, I have determined that nine years as Superintendent of Schools for Robbinsdale Area Schools is long enough. …

"I will retire from Robbinsdale Area Schools. I will not, however, retire from professional education as I will be considering pre-K-12 administrative opportunities and other higher education teaching opportunities, beginning in the fall of 2009.

"It was June 2000 when I was asked to become the Superintendent of Robbinsdale Area Schools.  In July of 2000 I was appointed by the School Board and thus began a wonderful professional and personal growth experience. This experience will conclude on June 30, 2009.  The past eight years have been a joy.  They make me the third longest-serving school superintendent in the history of Robbinsdale Area Schools. …"