BEVERLY — Superintendent Suzanne Charochak will retire at the end of the school year.
Charochak informed the Beverly School Committee at the time of her last contract negotiation three years ago that it would be her final contract with the district, she told The Salem News Wednesday afternoon.
She shared the news with students, families and staff Wednesday evening.
“This was intended all along,” she said. “I’m over retirement age… I’m looking forward to some time with my family. I have some grandchildren that I can’t wait to spend time with, so I’m excited.”
Charochak has worked in Beverly schools for 29 years.
She came to the district’s special education department after spending a year as a paraprofessional in Hamilton. She was subsequently the principal of Ayers Elementary School for 10 years, spent five years as an assistant superintendent in the district and is now in her sixth year as superintendent.
“Beverly has been a home to me for the last 30 years,” she said. “I have made great relationships and love the people and families in the community. It’s just been a great experience.”
Charochak’s time leading the district has also been filled with unique challenges.
She took over as superintendent in 2019, less than a year before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. She oversaw the district through online learning challenges, reopening schools and overcoming learning losses students experienced at the time.
In November, a teacher’s strike over calls for better paid parental leave and wages closed school for 12 days.
“Beverly will come out strong,” Charochak said of the district healing from such challenges. “We have a very strong base. We have great leadership in place. We have excellent educators who really, really care about kids.
“A lot of decisions that get made, and a lot of conversations that are being had, are really all about, how do we make sure that we keep moving forward for our kids?”
Charochak’s last day as superintendent is scheduled for June 30.
The School Committee will announce information about a superintendent search in the near future.
“Under her leadership, the Beverly Public Schools have become a leader in responsive and inclusive public education throughout the North Shore and I wish her a wonderful retirement,” School Committee Chair Rachael Abell said in a statement Wednesday.
Above all, Charochak said she will miss working with students the most.
“It’s been an amazing opportunity to watch students grow, to see them in the community, in their own jobs, having their own families and being part of the growth of the Beverly schools over the last 30 years.
She also has made strong friendships with teachers she’s “come up through the pipeline with,” she said.
Mayor Mike Cahill said it was an honor to work with Charochak.
“Her passion for our community, her fierce commitment to and love for our children, and her deep respect for the many professionals who together educate and care for our children are absolute values that Dr. Charochak has always brought to her work,” he said in a statement.
Contact Caroline Enos at CEnos@northofboston.com.