St. Charles School District Superintendent Jeff Marion says he will retire at the end of this school year to spend more time with his family.

The St. Charles School Board accepted Marion's retirement letter at its Sept. 15 meeting. The district announced his retirement in a statement issued Monday.

Marion, who will turn 51 in October, will have completed 29 years in education by the time of his retirement. He currently earns an annual salary of $214,058.

"This was a hard decision for me," Marion said in the statement. "I love this district and have enjoyed enormous support from staff, parents and the Board of Education. I've said it many times, there is no place I would rather be superintendent. That is still true."

Marion has been superintendent for the district of about 5,000 students since the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year. Previously, he was a teacher, principal and district administrator in Wentzville, Fort Zumwalt, Pattonville and St. Charles.

During Marion's tenure, the district passed a tax increase and two bond issues. The district is about to open an early childhood center in August.

Marion's last day will be June 30.

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