The Zachary Community School District announced Monday that Superintendent Warren Drake will be leaving the district to accept the position of Network Leader with the Louisiana Department of Education, a press release late Monday stated.

Drake has been the district’s superintendent since 2002 and was the first paid superintendent of the Zachary Community School District.

Drake’s last day in the district will be Tuesday, September 4.

“My time in Zachary, laying the foundation for the state’s premier school district, has provided me with the opportunity of a lifetime," said Drake. "I leave this school district with a profound sense of gratitude and pride to have been a part of an institution and community steeped in excellence. Much like the challenge of crafting a new school district, Louisiana’s changing education system and the implementation of new curriculum standards and teacher evaluation methods offer exciting opportunities for innovative thinking."

The network leader position is one of five, newly created positions that will assist other districts in implementing the Common Core Curriculum and teacher evaluation system. The network leaders will report directly to State Superintendent of Education John White.

“Although we are sorry to see him go, we wish Mr. Drake the best in his new role with the Louisiana Department of Education. We are proud to have him share knowledge gained in leading our district to impact the lives of other students within the state,” School Board President Jannie Rogers said.

Drake will remain in place through the start the 2012-2013 school year, providing a transition period for the district’s new leadership.

“As a board we will discuss the search process for a new superintendent at a board meeting or a retreat in the coming days,” said Rogers.