Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Lake Linden-Hubbell Public Schools Superintendent Craig Sundblad opens a gift given to him by the district board Wednesday night. Sundblad is retiring at the end of the month.

LAKE LINDEN — At Lake-Linden Hubbell Public Schools Superintendent’s Craig Sundblad’s final school board meeting, the board gave him an affectionate sendoff.

Sundblad, who is retiring at the end of the month, has worked with the district for the past 34 years. Brad Codere, the district’s elementary school coordinator, was chosen as Sundblad’s replacement in February.

Board President Patricia Burton thanked him for his contributions to the district, including becoming dual principal and superintendent when tight district finances compelled the district to consolidate the position.

“On behalf of not only this board but all those who have worked with you, I want to both congratulate you and thank you for your never-ending commitment for the Lake Linden-Hubbell School District,” she said. “Most of all, your dedication to the students who have passed through these hallways, all of whom were taught by your example how to be a better person, how to do what is right, and how to give back to the community.”

The board presented Sundblad with a gift wristwatch as well as a cake.

Tough as it is to leave, Sundblad said he knows he made the right decision.

“At the end of the day, I just don’t have the energy level that I used to,” he said. “But it hasn’t been an easy week. It’s bittersweet… This has been too much of my life to walk away and not think about it.”