After almost six years, Josh Blatchley is resigning as facilities and maintenance director for the Wrangell School District. He submitted his resignation the first week of January, effective at the end of April.
The job opening is being advertised.
Blatchley said he felt the time was right. “My kids have all graduated, and I think that another job will give me a little more free time, so I’ll be able to come and go as I choose.”
“I’ve enjoyed my time here, and the people I worked with. I’m just looking for a change.”
Blatchley said Jan. 24 he will remain on the job until someone new has been selected so that he can help train his replacement. “I don’t honestly see myself leaving until they have a replacement,” he said. “I don’t want to leave them in a bind, but I do think it’s time for me to explore other options.”
Raised in Wrangell, Blatchley has lived here for most of his life since before he attended kindergarten. He started his current position in August of 2018. He hopes the district will continue to refurbish and improve the school buildings, of which the most recently built is more than 35 years old.
Schools Superintendent Bill Burr described Blatchley as “a man of few words” and well liked by staff, faculty and students. “Overwhelmingly, everybody’s appreciative of what he’s done,” he said. “He’s really lifted the district, working with the borough. Universally, he’s well respected. I’m happy for him, I’m supportive, but he’s going to be a huge loss to Wrangell schools.”
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