Vandalia-Butler superintendent's career comes full circle

VANDALIA, Ohio (WDTN) - After serving as superintendent for the Vandalia-Butler School District for 12 years, Dr. Christy L. Donnelly has announced she will retire June 30, 2013.

Donnelly made the announcement during a Board of Education workshop, November 15, 2012. Impending changes to the retirement system prompted her decision.

Donnelly's career has spanned 36 years, most of which she has spent with Vandalia-Butler City Schools. She started with the district in 1977 as a teacher at Vandalia Elementary.

In 1986, she accepted the position of gifted coordinator for Tipp City Schools and then served as a supervisor for the Miami County Board of Education, now known as the Miami County Educational Service Center.

Donnelly returned to the Vandalia-Butler School District in 1993 as the Director of Pupil Personnel, before being named superintendent in 2000.

As superintendent, Donnelly oversaw the most ambitious building project in the district's history. At no additional cost to taxpayers, the district replaced Morton Middle School and renovated Butler High School, the high school stadium, and Demmitt Elementary School. Renovations were also made to the district's other buildings.

Under Donnelly's direction and leadership, the district achieved consistent ratings of "Excellent" on the state report card, earned high financial ratings from the nation's leading ratings agencies, and completed the last five-year strategic plan a year ahead of schedule. She has also worked to lobby in Columbus for changing how schools are funded.

"Having begun my teaching career with the district 36 years ago, I can state with the utmost sincerity that this is the very best possible district in which to begin and conclude a career," stated Donnelly.