Emotions ran high at the Montgomery Area School District Board meeting Tuesday, as Superintendent Daphne Bowers announced her retirement from the position she has held for the past 21 years.

Appearing as an agenda item, a visibly emotional Bowers did not speak on her retirement, which will take effect June 30, 2025, but did provide a copy of her resignation letter to the Sun-Gazette.

“After nearly 36 years dedicated to the field of public education, the time has come for me to embrace a new chapter in my life,” Bowers said in the letter.

“Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the relationships I have built throughout my career,” she continued. That career began in 1996 when she assumed the role of Montgomery Elementary School principal, and continued as she advanced to director of curriculum, middle school principal, high school principal, and ultimately, superintendent in 2004.

“As Superintendent, I have been privileged to work alongside an exceptional team of educators, administrators and board members who share a passion for fostering a positive learning environment,” Bowers said in the letter.

The Superintendent highlighted many achievements attained by the district during her time in office, including improvements in student achievements, millions of dollars in grant funding for full-day pre-k and full-day kindergarten, class size reduction, multiple programs for special education and mental health services, improvements to school safety and many others.

Bowers also noted that many of the school’s services are of little to no cost to the community and lauded the establishment of professional development opportunities for teachers and staff, and increased engagement with families and community members that has helped to strengthen partnerships that are invaluable to the district’s success.

“It has given me a great sense of pride to watch our culture within our schools transform into that of a family, where we are committed to working together for the benefit of our students,” Bowers said in the letter.

She remains committed to working towards a smooth transition of leadership, she said.

“I will work closely with the school board to facilitate the search for my successor and support them in their onboarding process,” she promised in her letter.

“I look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of the Montgomery Area School District. I am excited to see how our schools adapt and innovate in the coming years, and I remain hopeful for the bright futures of our students,” Bowers wrote, calling her time with the district a “tremendous honor.”

“You will be greatly missed,” board President Paul Stryker told Bowers following the vote, calling the moment, “bittersweet.”

“I just want to say to Daphne, our district is so highly respected, not only in the county but across the state, because of your leadership and school programs and everything, so you will be missed,” elementary school Principal Karen Snyder offered.

The process of finding a replacement for Bowers will begin shortly with the board taking action within the next month or so, Stryker said.

Other announced retirees in attendance included school police officers Joseph Akers and William Weber, both effective June 6, 2025.

“After 44 years, it was tine,” Weber told the board.

“I told Daphne, what a great way to end my career. Montgomery school district truly is a hidden gem, and I’m truly pleased about that,” he said.

The board thanked Weber and Akers for their years of service, assuring them that they will be greatly missed.