By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post
The Hays USD 489 Board of Education thanked Darren Schumacher for seven years of “outstanding service and dedication” as Schumacher formally offered his resignation as the board’s vice president at Monday’s work session.
“It was a great experience to serve the community,” Schumacher told Hays Post.
During his years on the board, Schumacher has faced challenges including ongoing budget problems and administrative changes that led to three superintendents in seven years.
“I think what I learned the most is we have seven members on the board and everybody brings their own strengths and attributes,” he said. “But you are only one of seven and, to get anything accomplished, you need to listen to each other, understand each other and come up with the best decision you can.”
Schumacher was the general manager of Carlos O’Kelly’s and said Monday he is relocating to Manhattan following the restaurant’s recent closure.
Schumacher, who will serve as a Carlos O’Kelly’s district manager and oversee restaurants in Manhattan, Salina and Topeka, said he will miss Hays.
“I was born and raised here and lived most of my life here,” he said. “Hays is a fantastic community.”
Schumacher is moving to Manhattan this weekend. His wife and daughter will join him in May to allow his daughter to finish out the school year at Holy Family Elementary.
Board members will discuss posting a notice for Schumacher’s replacement and appointing a new vice president at Monday’s Board of Education meeting.