Jim Foudy, superintendent of the Blaine County School District, announced this week that he will retire after this school year.
Foudy has led the district since 2021 and previously served as superintendent of the McCall-Donnelly School District. Before that, he taught in Boise and served in the U.S. Army. Foudy’s 31-year career in education will end on June 30.
“Leading this district has been the honor of my life,” Foudy said in a press release. “Our students and families are the reason I come to work every day, and I am deeply grateful for the trust this community has placed in me. I remain fully committed to our district and to ensuring a thoughtful transition in the months ahead.”
Board Chair Lara Stone said Foudy has kept students at the heart of the district and made contributions that will benefit schools for years to come.
“We are tremendously grateful for Superintendent Foudy’s leadership, commitment, and service to Blaine County School District,” Stone said in the release.
The announcement gives the school board plenty of time to find a replacement. Trustees will discuss next steps at the Oct. 13 board meeting.
Blaine County School District has faced several challenges this year, as EdNews reported. Trustees in January voted to cut 16.4 staff positions to save $1.7 million, but that was not enough to cover the district’s budget deficit.
After years of deadlocked negotiations with the teachers’ union, trustees in September voted to impose contract terms.
In one of Idaho’s wealthiest counties — with a high cost of living — Foudy is the state’s fourth-highest-paid superintendent with a salary of $198,450.
