Highland Schools Superintendent Suddenly Resigns, School Board Scrambles To Find Replacement

Days after Highland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Drew Maerz announced his sudden resignation on June 26^th, school board members are looking ahead at what comes next.

Who will be their new superintendent to oversee the day-to-day operations of the state’s smallest school system?

And, just as important, who will become the next interim superintendent while the search for Maerz’s replacement is conducted?

School Board Vice Chairman Sherry Sullenberger and Board Member Ken Hodges each confirmed the board was not blind-sided by Maerz’s news, which was announced during the June 26^th FY 2025 closeout meeting. They learned of his retirement plans that afternoon in an email to the board from Maerz, who was expected to renew his contract on June 30^th.

“I would not say this was not expected. It was quite a surprise,” Sullenberger said this weekend.

Hodges echoed Sullenberger’s sentiments. “It was a surprise to us,” he said.

Both said Maerz indicated he needed to retire so he could assist in the care of his elderly mother, who lives out of state.

“There’s no ill will on our part and there is no ill will on his part,” Hodges explained.

Hodges, who described Maerz as “a very honest, ethical, outgoing person,” said the superintendent’s departure leaves the board in the same situation it was in when they hired Maerz in 2022. At that time, the school board had a volunteer superintendent step in from February to June that year while the superintendent search went forward.

“We are required by law to have a superintendent,” Hodges said, explaining the board needs to move quickly to replace Maerz.

Under the state law, local school boards have 120 days to fill a superintendent vacancy. If a superintendent is not appointed during that period, the school board must then submit a written report to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, demonstrating its timely efforts to make an appointment. The board can then request an additional 180 days to appoint a superintendent. And, if no superintendent is appointed during the prescribed time, the State Board can appoint a superintendent to serve.

Hodges said the school board has several avenues to take in their search for a superintendent.

For a fee of more than $10,000, the school board could seek candidates through the Virginia School Board Association. But, Hodges said, before that happens, the board is likely to “reach out” to neighboring school systems in search of an appropriate candidate.

In the meantime, Hodges said the board will also have to find an interim superintendent to step in temporarily to oversee the school system.

Although no formal agreement has been reached, Hodges and Sullenberger each said Maerz had no intention of leaving the area, allowing him to possibly assist the board as they search for his replacement.

“He has affirmed his continued expertise and support,” Sullenberger said, describing Maerz as a “true gentleman” who is truly devoted to his students and staff. “I honor that,” she added.

Attempts to reach School Board Chairman Jason Wilfong for comment on this story were unsuccessful.