Superintendent Martell Menlove announces retirement

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Martell Menlove announced Friday he would retire, just weeks after his wife, Rep. Ronda Menlove announced she would not be seeking reelection.

In a press release from the Utah State Board of Education, Martell Menlove said he plans to step down but has agreed to remain on the job until a new superintendent is hired.

“It is with regret that we accept Superintendent Menlove’s decision,” said Utah State Board of Education Chairman David L. Crandall. “I believe we all have great respect for Martell and respectfully accept this decision.” Vice Chair David L. Thomas echoed Crandall’s sentiments and expressed gratitude for Menlove’s “leadership of the board and state office in some difficult times and situations.”

“I do not have any immediate plans for the future,” Menlove said. “I do have a family cabin construction project at Bear Lake that has taken longer than it should have. Finishing that project sounds like a great place to start.” Menlove also plans to spend more time with his wife, Rep. Ronda Menlove, their five children and 10 grandchildren. He and his wife would also like to devote additional time to service in their church.

Menlove began his career in public education in 1976 as an elementary teacher in Jordan School District. He has spent time as a classroom teacher, a school counselor, and as an administrator in Tooele, Rich, and Box Elder County school districts. Menlove was named Utah Superintendent of the Year in 2006 and in 2007 received a Distinguished Service award from Utah State University. He began working at the Utah State Office of Education in 2009 as Deputy Superintendent and was named State Superintendent in 2012.

Crandall said the search process for a new superintendent will begin immediately. “We will take the time necessary to conduct a thorough search and appropriately vet all candidates,” Crandall said. Initial action will take place during the Board’s April 4 meeting in Salt Lake City.

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!