The Mexico Public School District announced late Friday afternoon that Superintendent Melissa Chastain would be stepping down from her position at the end of the academic year.

A statement released by the district said the Board of Education (BOE) accepted Chastain’s retirement during a closed session meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Chastain gave no indication she was close to retirement or even thinking about it before the announcement was made. 

The closed session followed a long discussion by board members in an open session about the district’s public comment policy where at least one board member was on the opposite side of Chastain and the policy. Current BOE policy doesn’t allow for an open comment period during BOE monthly meetings. Chastain was adamant about keeping the policy. Board Member Matt Pilger brought the issue to the agenda and wants it loosened considerably.

The release by the district had high praise for Chastain saying, “Under her leadership, she has impacted the lives of countless students, staff, and families. During her superintendent tenure, Mrs. Chastain has overseen numerous initiatives, including the implementation of the district’s strategic plan and alignment with MSIP6. She has focused on strengthening community and parent-school relationships as a key player in education initiatives with Partners for Rural Impact (PRI). Mrs. Chastain has enhanced the district’s commitment to academic excellence and instilled a love of learning in others. Her dedication to ensuring the success and well-being of all students has been a driving force behind her leadership. To accomplish this task, Mrs. Chastain is known as an avid supporter of her staff members, championing their work in the classroom and community.”

Board President Keith Louder also released a statement saying, “On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to thank Mrs. Chastain for her years of dedicated service to the Mexico School District. We wish her the very best in retirement.”

Chastain has been with the district for 19 years including the last couple of years as Superintendent. Chastain also served as Interim Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. She was the Principal of Hawthorne Elementary School for five years and served for two years as the Assistant Principal at Eugene Field. Other roles included a district reading coach, special education teacher, and process coordinator.

Chastain also released a statement through the district saying, “I have been so blessed to work alongside amazing educators during my time here in this district. I am truly honored to have worked with some of the greatest colleagues in education. The staff has worked tirelessly to focus their efforts on student learning, which will continue over time. I am proud of the relationships that I was able to foster and develop over the years with the students, staff, parents, and community members.”

The change comes during a calendar year that has seen a lot of change within the BOE itself and now, at the top of the administration. The announcement also comes a few months before a bond election and the election of three new board members.