FREMONT — Superintendent Milt Werner announced at the school board meeting late Wednesday that he will retire at the end of June, with two years left in his contract.

Werner, who will be 63 at the time of his retirement, said he is leaving to spend more time with his family, which includes his wife and four grown children.

He was appointed interim superintendent two years ago and, after being named permanent superintendent in January, signed a three-year contract with the Fremont Unified School District.

Werner said he considered retiring during the summer and only recently made his decision.

The board and superintendent have met in recent weeks to discuss his evaluation. Both Werner and the board president said his evaluation went well.

"The board has been very good to work with, very gracious," Werner said.

"I want to keep working, but I don't want to keep working full time," he added, saying he is considering working as a consultant or teaching college part-time.

Werner has worked in education for 40 years, starting as a science and math teacher before serving as an administrator in the New Haven, San Leandro and Alameda school districts.

He came to Fremont seven years ago, working first as principal of Washington High, then assistant superintendent of instruction before being promoted as schools chief.

The school board plans to meet soon to discuss the search process for a new superintendent.

"We

He added: "We remain steadfast in our commitment to continue providing the best educational environment for all the students in Fremont Unified."