After serving the Caldwell - West Caldwell school district for more than forty years - his entire career - Ron Skopak announced his intention to retire this June at the board of education meeting on Monday night, January 16.

Skopak joins his friend and colleague Caldwell - West Caldwell superintendent of schools Dr. Daniel Gerardi, who will also retire on June 30 2012.

Gerardi wrote a statement about Skopak's leaving his post, and at the Caldwell Council meeting board of education president Maureen McNish read it.

The following is the letter Dr. Gerardi wrote about his friend and colleague, Ron Skopak.

"At last evening's public board of education meeting, Ron Skopak announced his intention to retire from this district at the conclusion of this school year on June 30, 2012. Ron has spent his entire professional career at Caldwell - West Caldwell. He began teaching sixth grade at Jefferson Elementary School in 1971, and was appointed business administrator and board secretary in 1978. Over his distinguished 33 year administrative career we have known Ron as a consummate professional who fulfills so many district functions with integrity and resourcefulness. He has overseen the completion of every facility project and 3 different bond referendums, over this time period which will stand as record to his efforts and his loyalty to his school community."

McNish added, "In addition, back in October, Dr. Dan Gerardi had announced his retirement also on June 30, 2012. Dan has 20 plus years in the district. He started out as the Washington School principal then the assistant superintendent, then for last 18 years was the superintendent. I don't think ver many people in Caldwell West Caldwell realize how great these two guys are, what good men they are, and how unusual it is to have a school district with two board administrators who work so closely and well together despite ... changes in funding over the last budget years in New Jersey. Because of Ron and Dan our budgets have remained pretty much unscathed. Last year we had a zero budget."

Pausing for a moment she then added, "They have been wonderful people."