Superintendent of schools taking health-related leave of absence

LACONIA — Bob Champlin, the city's superintendent of schools, is stepping away from his duties for a six-week period for health reasons.

Champlin told the school board of his decision was during a nonpublic session on Tuesday night. Staff and parents were informed on Wednesday.

In a phone interview late Wednesday, Champlin said he was placing his full confidence in Amy Hinds, his second-in-command who has been with the district for more than a decade, to fill in during his absence.

"If something happens tomorrow and I'm not in, Amy Hinds as the assistant superintendent is making the day-to-day decisions," Champlin said. He added he will be available to advise Hinds as needed.

Champlin's service to the district goes back decades, as a teacher and then principal of Woodland Heights School, then for 13 years as superintendent ending in 2013, when he stepped down for health reasons.

Champlin had been serving as a consultant to then-superintendent Steve Tucker when Tucker unexpectedly resigned in August 2024, and the board named Champlin interim superintendent. A few months later, the board and Champlin agreed to extend his contract through the 2025-26 school year so the board could take its time to search for a long-term replacement.

It remains his intention to fulfill that contract, Champlin said.

"If I can get better, I would welcome the opportunity to come back and keep our work going," Champlin said, later adding, "I love the work we're doing."

Nick Grenon, chair of the city School Board, said Champlin had the full support of the board in taking his leave.

"Obviously, first and foremost, the board wishes Bob good health and strength returning, we support Bob and his plan, we fully support [Assistant Superintendent] Hinds and the administrative team at this time," Grenon said. "It’s a sad thing, everyone is behind Bob and hopes he can come back and keep going down the right path. We have complete faith in our administrative team and Hinds to keep the ship afloat while he focuses on his health."