Kurt Speicher, pictured, confirmed Thursday morning that he is retiring June 30 from his position as executive director of the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School.

The executive director of the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School is retiring after this school year.

Kurt Speicher confirmed Thursday morning that he is retiring June 30. The school's joint operating committee is currently seeking a replacement.

“I'd prefer to wait until the search is complete and we are closer to the end of the school year before I make any comments,” Speicher said Thursday.

Speicher became the executive director in 2015, after previously serving as principal and assistant director.

John Conrad, a 14-year veteran of the joint operating committee, said they hope to begin interviewing candidates for the position in December. The committee is composed of representatives from Butler County's seven public school districts. The vo-tech educates students from the seven districts.

“I think it's going to be a loss for the vo-tech, no doubt about it,” Conrad said. “Hopefully we'll find someone who will be able to fill his shoes.”

Conrad is one of three Butler Area School District board members who serve on the operating committee. The others are Bill Halle and Suzie Bradrick.

Both Bradrick and Conrad said they hope to have someone picked and available to work with Speicher on the job this spring.

The school has begun advertising the position. Last time, the committee received 10 applications for the job.

This is a breaking news report — pick up Friday's Butler Eagle or subscribe online to read a full article about Speicher's retirement.