At a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Vince Bertram announced he will be leaving his post as head of the EVSC. He said, "It is very difficult. It has been the most excruciating decision I've ever made."

The announcement came as a shock to many teachers and faculty at the EVSC. Keith Gambill, President of the Evansville Teacher's Association tells News 25, "We were surprised to find out that Dr. Bertram would be leaving."

Gambill praised the relationship they've forge with Bertram over the years and they hope his replacement will be just as open.

"We look forward to building a quality relationship with him as well," says Gambill.

Dr. Bertram is leaving the EVSC to become the chief executive officer of Project Lead the Way, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum program for middle and high schools.

Bertram explained, "It is in all 50 states, serving 4,000 schools and over 400,000 students." He continued, "It's not about success, it's really about doing things that are significant."

Bertram has served four years as superintendent and helped develop the district's Strategic Plan. We're told Bertram will remain as superintendent through the remainder of the school year before starting at PLTW early this summer.

During Monday's press conference, an emotional Bertram thanked the community and his family's support.

The EVSC Board of Trustees said it will begin formulating plan to hire a new superintendent.

Source: http://www.news25.us/Global/story.asp?S=14482067