Harrington school leader to retire

HARRINGTON—The first-year school district superintendent here will “explore” retirement at the end of the school year.

John Cordell of St. Maries, Idaho, plans to depart the School District when his contract expires Friday, June 30.

The 59-year-old Cordell, who is also the superintendent of the Tekoa School District, arrived here at the beginning of the school year.

He also plans to retire from his position in Tekoa, in Whitman County.

“The ESD approached me about coming out and helping here,” Cordell said. “I still enjoy it, to be honest with you. I’m a little sad about leaving.”

Cordell said he’s going to take a year off from an educational career that has spanned 35 years so he can spend time with his four children and two grandchildren, who are spread out around the country.

“I’m already drawing my retirement from Idaho, where I worked for 25 years,” Cordell said. “So, I’ll start doing the same in Washington, where it’s been 11 years now.”

Cordell said he will miss the small community of Harrington, which reminds him of the small-town life he enjoyed in his hometown of Entiat.

“I love Harrington. It’s a great place,” he said. “I love the kids, but it’s a good staff here. And the community has been so supportive. Every time I go downtown everyone is so friendly.”

Cordell, who informed the school board of his decision in February, said he won’t leave the school district with any negative regards for the area.

“I’ve appreciated the opportunity to be here,” he said. I’m not leaving with a negative feeling.”