Becky Rosales, superintendent of the Miller Creek School District in San Rafael, plans to retire at the end of the school year on June 30.

Rosales, 64, has worked in the education field for 40 years, including the past six years as the district’s top administrator. Her salary is $261,000.

“I am looking forward to starting the next chapter of my life,” Rosales said.

The Miller Creek School District board accepted her resignation at its meeting on March 11. The board plans to appoint Kristy Treewater as her successor, pending contract approval.

Treewater, 47, is the district’s deputy superintendent. She has held the position since 2019 and previously was the principal of Miller Creek Middle School.

Treewater’s salary as deputy superintendent is $216,000. Her new contract has not been finalized. The board expects to consider an agreement in April.

Brad Honsberger, president of the district’s board, sent a message to the community announcing the change.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Superintendent Becky Rosales, who has decided to retire at the end of this school year,” the message said. “Her exceptional leadership over the past six years has guided our district through significant challenges, including the pandemic, while achieving important milestones in student success and educational innovation.”

Rosales, who started as an interim superintendent in 2019 under contract with the Marin County Office of Education, led the district through a rocky transition after its controversial name change from the Dixie School District. Rosales became the superintendent on Jan. 1, 2021.

Last year, Rosales took a medical leave for knee replacement surgery, she said.

“I am happy to report that I have recovered my strength and health and look forward to being active outdoors in the months to come as so, so much of my work life over many years has occurred indoors,” Rosales said.

In a message to the school community, Rosales wrote that serving as the district’s superintendent “has been the greatest honor of my professional life.”

“I am deeply grateful for the trust, support, and kindness you have shown me during my time as Superintendent,” she wrote. “It has been an honor to serve this community, and I will always reflect on these years with immense gratitude and warmth.”

Treewater, who has 25 years of educational leadership experience, began her career as a teacher with San Rafael City Schools.

Honsberger said Treewater developed successful restorative justice programs and designed equitable master schedules that expanded STEAM access, among other achievements. The acronym refers to science, technology, engineering, art and math.

Treewater’s contributions to education have been recognized with the 2006 Golden Bell Award and the 2018 Excellence in Education Award, Honsberger said.

“Hiring a superintendent is among the most important roles this board fulfills for our schools,” he said. “With our complete confidence in Ms. Treewater’s leadership capabilities and proven track record and her relationships within the community, we are fortunate to have the very best candidate already serving our community.”

Treewater said she is looking forward to her new responsibility.

“The Miller Creek School District is a truly special place, defined by its innovative and dedicated staff, a supportive and engaged parent community, incredible students, and a knowledgeable board of trustees,” Treewater said.

“I feel deeply grateful to have been part of this district for the past 12 years, and I am honored to step into the role of superintendent, continuing to serve and support this wonderful community,” she said.