Reception Tonight For Retiring Superintendent Mark Freeman

Shaker Heights Schools Superintendent Mark Freeman, who is retiring at the close of the school year, will be honored at a reception tonight at Shaker Heights High School.

The reception is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in high school's upper cafeteria. The event is open to the public.

Freeman is retiring after 46 years in the Shaker Heights Schools, including 25 years as superintendent.

Freeman announced last September that he would retire following the end of his contract in July 2013.

He told Patch that he made the announcement so far in advance so that the district had ample time to find a replacement.

The 67-year-old said he had been thinking about retirement for a few years, but appreciated the experience.

"I feel fortunate that the community has wanted me for all of this time," he said last September. "I think the Shaker school system is superb. It’s a marvelous place to work.

"We have a talented faculty and staff, a supportive community, and above all, great students. Great alums come back and tell us what a great education they’ve received in Shaker."

Freeman, who has three children who all went to Shaker Schools, plans on relaxing and traveling once he retires.