UPDATE: Urbandale Principal Leaving Early Because of Health Reasons

Updated at 8:15 p.m.

Urbandale High School Principal Richard Hutchinson is leaving the post he has held for the last 11 years because of health reasons, the Des Moines Register reported.

Hutchinson, 54, will receive a compensation package that includes $79,000 and insurance for nearly a full year, the newspaper said.

In his letter of resignation, he reportedly said that he is at a "crossroads," that he has health issues he needs to address, and that both he and his wife have ailing parents who need their attention.

"With these difficult personnel challenges and with the challenge and importance of being an effective high school administrator, I don’t believe I can do both at the level they deserve,” Hutchinson wrote in the letter provided to the Register. 

He said it has been an "honor" to work for the school district.

Superintendent Doug Stilwell said Hutchinson is "well-liked" and helped lead the school through challenges, especially as the district became more diverse.

"He took both criticism and positive feedback to heart, and consistently worked to improve both his performance and the experience for Urbandale students,” Stilwell wrote in a letter to the school board.

Earlier, Patch reported:

Urbandale High School Principal Richard Hutchinson and the school district have agreed to part ways.

A separation and early-retirement agreement was approved Monday by the Urbandale school board after a closed session, the Des Moines Register reported.

In a telephone interview with the newspaper, Hutchinson offered few details, but said the agreement “was something that was good for both parties.”

The board will consider an interim principal at its August meeting. Superintendent Doug Stilwell is expected to make a recommendation.

The school board considered the Hutchinson matter in executive session during the June. Board President Adam Obrecht said the issues were “not routine,” according to the newspaper.

Hutchinson is a 32-year educator with 11 years of that time spent as principal at Urbandale HIgh School, according to the district’s website.

Stilwell sent an email to Urbandale patrons after the board meeting, WOI-TV reported, included below in its entirety:

Dear Urbandale Families,

Following tonight's board meeting, I feel it's important to inform you about a personnel change at the high school. Principal Richard Hutchinson will not be returning to Urbandale High School this coming school year. The board accepted Principal Hutchinson's resignation this evening, effectively immediately.

Given the time of year, it is my intent to select an interim principal for the 2013-2014 school year. This task will be completed prior to the end of this week and the decision will be communicated to you. A search for a permanent replacement will take place between winter and spring break.

Our goal is to have this transition be as seamless as possible for all UHS students. If you have questions or concerns, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Dr. Doug Stilwell