The woman at the helm of the Delaware City School District for the past five years is stepping down.

Delaware City Schools Superintendent Mary Anne Ashworth is retiring. Her last day with the district is July 31.

Ashworth’s pending retirement was made official Monday after the school board unanimously approved the request. Ashworth thanked the board afterward.

“It’s been a privilege to serve such a great district,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the board, school board president Matt Weller offered his thanks to Ashworth for her service to the district.

Ashworth was hired in August 2005 to replace outgoing superintendent Steve Castle. She was previously the assistant superintendent of Findlay City Schools for 15 years. Prior to that she worked as the director of personnel and human relations in the same district. Ashworth also worked as a building administrator and a middle school assistant principal.

“We certainly understand,” Weller said of Ashworth’s decision to enter retirement. “We’re happy for her and will continue on the path she has set out for the district,” he said.

Following the meeting, Ashworth told the Gazette she and her husband plan to “move south.”

“My husband is thinking it’s time to leave the snow of Ohio,” Ashworth said. “For awhile, I’m just going to rest. Being a superintendent is a 24-7 job.”

Looking back, Ashworth said the district has continued to make strides in its academic goals.

“I think Delaware is a fantastic district with a dynamic administrative team,” Ashworth said. “We have the leadership to take us to the top.”

The board on Monday also took the first step toward replacing Ashworth by approving a contract with a search firm, Finding Leaders. The search firm will help advertise the position and whittle down the pool of candidates, Weller said. The same firm has been used by the district previously. It helped in hiring both Castle and Ashworth.

“It’ll be a tough process,” said Weller, adding that the community and parents will have an opportunity to meet the superintendent candidates once the number of applicants is narrowed down. Ultimately, the selection of the new superintendent is a board decision, he said.

A timeline has not been set for the first round of interviews, Weller said. Finding a replacement could take from three to four months, he said.

mmackey@delgazette.com