Northshore School District (NSD) Superintendent Larry Francois has announced he will be resigning at the end of this school.

In a letter written by Francois, he said he has accepted a superintendent position with the Northwest Educational Service District 189 (NWESD).

The district provides services to school districts, such as professional development training, an internet technology department and physical assistance, among other services. The NWESD serves schools in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties, and is one of nine districts statewide.

After eight years serving as NSD superintendent, Francois said in his letter he believes that, coinciding with a complete turn over of the school board that hired him, moving on provides the new board with a clean slate to implement fresh ideas.

He also praised NSD personnel for their professionalism and talent, describing his time as superintendent as the pinnacle of his 23 years as a school administrator.

“I have had the honor of working with the most talented team of professional educators in my career over the past eight years,” the letter reads. “They have been instrumental in my ongoing development as a leader, and I will forever be appreciative and thankful for their contributions to my continued learning and growth.”

He also said he feels confident NSD is headed in the right direction and looks forward to the dramatic changes coming to the district, including readjusting district boundary lines, start times and grade levels over the next two years.

In a message issued by NSD School Board President Amy Cast, she congratulated Francois on his new position.

“As he begins the next stage of his career, we are sure Larry’s dedication and experience will continue to benefit thousands of students in the northwest region of Washington state,” her letter read.

Francois will begin his new tenure at NWESD on July 1 of this year, officially resigning from his current position the day before.

The Northshore School Board will now begin the search for a new superintendent.

The Reporter will update this story when more information is available.