It’s news that has shocked most Manatee County residents and even the school board.

After only two years in office Superintendent Rick Mills announced he is retiring this July 31st.

This was a big change from just a year ago. Last May, Mills asked for a two year extension to his contract and additional pay of $7,500 for what he called a “performance salary.”

The school board denied both proposals. However, members did agree to grant him an extra year, keeping him in leadership until 2017.

School district staff sent out a news release today about Mills' resignation. While it mentioned his successes, including that Mills helped turn an $8.9 million pre-existing deficit into a $14.4 million surplus. It didn’t mention his current contract or many details about why he is retiring now.

Mills has had a rocky two years in office, making him unpopular with much of the community. When Mills was first hired, he laid off 185 teachers, and drastically reduced the number of printers in schools. Vice Chair of the school board Dave “Watchdog” Minor said that he respects Mills' request to retire and now the county can move forward.

“Some people would certainly regard it as a step forward kind of a fresh way of looking and going about it. There are many people in this community who left its time to thank him and pursue some different avenues.”

Bay News 9 reached out to Mills. We were told he wasn't available for comment today.

There is a school board meeting Tuesday. Minor believes that Mills' resignation will be discussed.