Greater Latrobe School Board provided Superintendent Judith Swigart a glowing sendoff Tuesday at her final public meeting with the school directors before her July 31 retirement.

The tributes to Swigart’s nearly 11-year tenure leading the district included remarks by school board President Eric Hauser, a standing ovation, an impromptu vocal performance by board member Dr. Michael Zorch, a floral arrangement presented by student council members and, of course, a cake.

Following the meeting, Swigart, 61, of Unity, told reporters she has mixed emotions about bringing her career as an educator to a close. “I’m looking forward to it, but it is very surreal to think that I’m at the age to retire,” she said.

Hauser also expressed mixed feelings about the superintendent’s pending departure.

“I know she’s opening a new door and chapter in her life, and I’m excited for her, but it closes this door, and that part is unfortunate for us,” he said.

He praised Swigart’s qualities as a leader, adding that she has “managed to escalate this district to a higher level, and she has also built a platform from which we can go even higher.”

She, in turn, thanked the school directors for “being able to see visions that aren’t necessarily easy to attain. But when you work hard and work together as a team, that makes them happen.”

Swigart has overseen several major capital projects at the district, including the relocation of the central administrative offices to Lincoln Avenue in Latrobe and, most recently, construction of a $24.8 million Latrobe Elementary School on the opposite side of the street.

The school board is not scheduled to meet in July, but Solicitor Ned Nakles said the district looks to have Swigart’s successor selected and in place as soon as possible. Perry County-based consultant Tom Templeton is leading the search for candidates, which included a May 20 session for public input. The search firm is being paid $13,500.

“I certainly will do whatever is necessary to make the transition as smooth as possible,” Swigart said.

She told the board she is looking forward to attending district events as her grandchildren progress through the grade levels at Greater Latrobe.

“I can’t wait to see what happens in the district in the next 10 to 20 years,” she said. “Hopefully, I’m upright long enough to see those things.”

Zorch, who offers his vocal talent at local charity events, expressed his sentiments with a rendition of “Thank You Very Much” from the musical “Scrooge.”

“I don’t know how I can follow that up,” Hauser said.

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