Dr. Robert Smith, the superintendent of Myrtle Point schools, has resigned his position to pursue different professional opportunities, and has been replaced by newly hired Myrtle Crest Elementary Principal Kent Klewitz.

Smith's resignation follows two years of a controversial tenure and the resignation of two Myrtle Point School Board members. The district faced upheaval last year with a failed four-day school week proposal and a major budget crisis.

The change in superintendents should cause merely a ripple in comparison, said School Board Chairwoman Jane Snyder.

Smith's resignation was first agreed upon in October of last year, by both Smith and the board members, Snyder added. It will be effective June 30.

“It was a mutual agreement between Dr. Smith and the board that our relationship didn't have any further to go at that point,” she said. “He hopes to continue his career some place else.”

The School Board approved Klewitz at a board meeting last month. He brings 25 years of experience in education to his new position. He started his career in Bandon schools, before going to Salem for a few years and returned to Coos County to be Myrtle Crest principal last year. Ken Smith, a special education instructor for Myrtle Crest who is in the process of getting his administration license, will be taking on the principal position at the elementary school at the beginning of the school year.

“I think it's a really great opportunity. I think Myrtle Point has a tremendous amount of potential with the staff we have, and the community,” Klewitz said Wednesday. “I am really excited to start my position so I can foster that development.”

Klewitz, who describes himself as big on active participation, looks forward to making some changes at the district - although he's not sure what changes those will be yet.

“As every other superintendent will tell you, the challenge is going to be the inconsistency with the funding. I think that's a big issue,” he said. “I am pretty open to change and new things, but I don't react just for the sake of change. It has to benefit the kids.”

Snyder said Klewitz, who was the most qualified candidate the board interviewed, is someone the board members are looking forward to working with.

“We're very excited and positive about forwarding our goals for good communication and looking for ways to improve our district in very tough economic times,” she said.

Klewitz will begin his position as superintendent on July 1.