By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times

In his resignation letter, CASD Superintendent Richard Como said it was time to leave after 42 years in education, half of them in Coatesville.

After several days of rumors and speculation about the status of the Coatesville Area School District (CASD)’s Superintendent, Richard Como, the school board announced Thursday night that he has decided to retire, effective Sept. 2, and has resigned from the district, a news release said.

Assistant Superintendent Angelo Romaniello Jr. will assume Como’s duties on a temporary basis while the board conducts a search for a new superintendent;  Romaniello has worked for CASD for nine years as an administrator at the high school campus as well as at the CASD central administration office, the release said.

Romaniello the assistant superintendent since obtaining his doctoral degree from lmmaculata University in 2010, has worked in numerous areas encompassing school district functions, “including but not limited to special education, pupil services, and curriculum and instruction,” the release said.

In his retirement letter to Board President J. Neil Campbell, which was attached to the news release, Como said: “Reflecting on my 42 years of public education, over half of which have been spent here at the Coatesviile Area School District, the time has come for me to retire.”

“Throughout the last eight years, vision and hard work have positioned the Coatesville Area School District to achieve success now and into the future. The budget has been set and curriculum changes have been implemented. In addition, staffing decisions have been finalized and executed. At this time, the process of educating students rests primarily in the hands of building level staff. The administrators and teachers have spent the summer preparing for the students they pledge to serve. Given this, I am confident and assured that the timing is right to announce my retirement, which will become effective Sept. 2.

“I would like to thank the Board of School Directors for allowing me to serve our Coatesville Area School District community. I thank our staff and teachers for their tireless work and dedication. I thank our students for inspiring us all with their commitment to success, hope for the future, and eternal optimism. I wish you all the very best,” the letter concluded.