NILES — Michael Hanshaw has served as Trumbull County Educational Service Center’s superintendent for the past 15 years.

That ends July 31 with his retirement after a 40-year career in education.

Robert Marino Jr., previously the center’s assistant superintendent, will be the new superintendent effective Aug. 1. Marino said the district will not replace his previous post and he will assume those additional duties.

Hanshaw said at the center’s board meeting this week “as my final meeting I want to thank the board. I had 15 good years here at the ESC. You have many really good employees and excellent administration. You let us do our jobs.

“I feel comfortable in all we have done here. I hope that while I was here I have taken the ESC above and beyond. I am proud that we have expanded our programs for special needs students here.”

He said as superintendent he saw the governing board make its decisions based on the students not politics, which he says was what is important.

“We at the ESC show we care about the kids and that is what education is about,” Hanshaw said.

He said Marino will take the center to the next left.

Board member Al Haberstroh said he was on the board when Hanshaw was hired. Haberstroh noted in Hanshaw’s 15 years as superintendent he has led the center forward with programing and services.

Previously, Hanshaw spent 25 years with the Weathersfield Local School DIstrict as an English teacher before transitioning to guidance counselor, athletic director, high school principal and superintendent.

“In 2009, I was given the tremendous opportunity to step into the role of superintendent of TCESC, a position that has truly been the honor of my career,” Hanshaw said. “Over the years, I have taken great pride in seeing TCESC recognized annually as a high-performing ESC, a testament to the commitment and excellence of our entire organization.”

He said everyone working together at the center has “made a lasting impact on education in Trumbull County.”

In other business at Monday’s meeting, the board:

— Recognized Carlotta Sheets for her 25 years of service, most recently as human resources supervisor. She is retiring July 31.

— Scheduled a special meeting for 9 a.m. Thursday to ratify a new contract agreement with the center’s teachers’ union.

— Approved Arlo Brookhart as director of curriculum and instruction and Chris Hubinsky as director of technology, both on 230-day contracts.

— Approved an agreement with Warwick Voice and Technologies for phone system replacement through the Sourcewell purchasing consortium.

— Changed meetings to Sept. 15 and Nov. 10.