Outgoing Superintendent Talks With News 9 About Regrets, Future

The superintendent of Oklahoma City Public school sat down with News 9, weeks before he officially retired.

Karl Springer will officially step down at the end of the month after serving five years. Springer says he'd like to volunteer and still help the district 45,000 students.

Springer brought the "continuous learning calendar" to the district, which some refer to as a year round program. He also increased the school day by 20 minutes, to give students more attention.

"Somehow I wish we would have approved academic achievement quicker," says Springer.

The outgoing educators say poverty is district's number challenges, citing that 9 out of 10 kids are on reduced or free lunch.

His advice to his future replacement: "Stay focused on what's best for children. Don't get caught up in the politics," said Springer Wednesday.

He's hoping his replacement will make at five to 10 year commitment because he feels the superintendent job is the best for any educator to have in the state.