EC School Superintendent Will Retire in 2020

Tom Giffey |

Mary Ann Hardebeck, who has served as Eau Claire School District superintendent for six years, informed the Eau Claire School Board in early April that she intends to retire after the 2019-20 school year. In a press release, Hardebeck said she made the announcement 18 months early to allow ample time to transition to a new superintendent. “We want a smooth transition because that is what’s good for kids,” she said. “Even after my retirement from ECASD becomes official, I will keep working on behalf of children and public education.” School Board President Joe Luginbill said the board is grateful for Hardebeck’s leadership. “We would like to thank Dr. Hardebeck for her leadership as the District has made great strides in improving student achievement, narrowing achievement gaps, and increasing postsecondary opportunities for all high school students,” Luginbill said. The board announced Feb. 8 that they had extended Hardebeck’s contract, which was set to expire at the end of the current school year, through 2020. The board had held numerous closed-door meetings in recent months regarding Hardebeck and her contract.