Round Rock ISD Superintendent Jess Chvez announced Jan. 30 that he will be retiring effective Dec. 31. Chvez held a news conference at the Round Rock ISD administration building, 1311 Round Rock Ave., to address the media and community members about his retirement.

"After much thought, and even prayer, [my wife Martha and I] came to the decision that the best decision for myself and the family was to retire at this time," Chvez said.

Despite signing a contract last year that extends into 2015, Chvez decided to cut his tenure short, citing wanting to spend time with his family. Chvez has served in the public school system for approximately 35 years. He also noted that there were additional reasons behind his decision.

"I had promised them, the family, that around 34, 35 years, I would be ready to retire," he said. "One of the other things that is in the back of my mind is, life is short ... and that's to say that the decision to retire is not any one thing, it's a combination of things."

After retiring, Chavez said he plans to stay in Round Rock and continue involvement in the community. Pursuing part-time employment may also be an option.

Board of trustees President Catherine Hanna expressed disappointment at Chvez's decision but said Chvez has led with integrity during his time with the district.

"He is a visionary leader, he steered our district through some rough times, including rapid growth and sometimes scarce resources," Hanna said. "We are disappointed; however, after 35 years as an educator and 14 years as a superintendent, we can understand that his family might be owed a bit of his time back."

Hanna also said the board will meet in the coming weeks to begin the process of looking for a new superintendent and welcomed public input on the search.

Chvez was named superintendent of the district in February 2006.