POLAND — The Poland Local Schools Board of Education voted to start a search for an interim superintendent Saturday at a special meeting, minutes after approving Superintendent Craig Hockenberry’s retirement and medical leave of absence.

Hockenberry and the board shared in a letter to the community Friday that he would step back from his role due to a diagnosis of esophageal cancer. His medical leave will begin Dec. 1 and he will retire effective Aug. 31, 2026.

"It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve this District," Hockenberry wrote in the letter. "I am deeply proud of all we have accomplished together, and I remain confident in the strength and resilience of this community."

The school board has instructed its president, Gregg Riddle, to contact the Educational Servi

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