Pair of Elida principals to retire

ELIDA — Bruce Sommers and Bob Kiracofe spent most of their careers together: First at Delphos schools and the past few years at Elida schools. Now both are nearing retirement.

“I've known Bob for years,” said Sommers, principal at Elida Elementary School. “It is neat that it just coincidently happens that we are going to end at the same time.”

The school board approved Sommers' retirement at Tuesday's school board meeting. It previously approved Kiracofe's retirement. Both will remain until the end of the school year, and then are eager to spend time with family, especially grandchildren.

Kiracofe, principal at the Gomer building, says it is “kind of strange” how they both ended up at Elida. Superintendent Don Diglia is just grateful they did.

“We were just so lucky to be able to hook up with them at that point in their careers,” he said. “Both have the highest integrity and professionalism, but probably most importantly is their compassion for the kids that they serve.”

The district will likely post the elementary school position next month, Diglia said. Kiracofe won't be replaced. The Gomer building, which houses kindergarten, will close at the end of the year. The closing is part of a multiple-year reduction. Kindergartners will be at the elementary school next year. To make room, fifth grade will be at the middle school.

Elida hired Sommers in August 2008. He spent 35 years in Delphos, first as an elementary teacher and principal and the last 23 years as superintendent. He spent one year as part-time director of the Allen County Alternative School program before taking the Elida job. Remembering how he enjoyed being an elementary school principal, Sommers was quick to accept the Elida job.

“Being the principal at Elida Elementary has indeed been a joy and blessing to me,” he said. “It has been a privilege to work in partnership with students and staff, parents and community.”

Kiracofe was Delphos Jefferson High School principal for 11 years before coming to Gomer in 2007. He spent most of the rest of his 35-year career teaching in Delphos, along with a few years teaching at Shawnee schools, and one year as a principal at Holgate schools. Kiracofe starts and ends his education at Elida. He is an Elida High School graduate.

“It has been wonderful and a great experience with the young kids,” he said. “It has been a great experience here. It is not me, it is the staff that does a great job here. They are all about the kids.”