(KAIR)--The Superintendent of Atchison's USD 409 has resigned.

The decision of Dr. Renee Nugent was announced by the public school district Wednesday.

The release of the announcement explains that Nugent is making the move as she "steps into an incredible new opportunity," named as the state education department's Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Learning Services.

According to a release from KSDE, Nugent was approved for the position by the Kansas State Board of Education following an executive session during the board's monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 11. She will succeed Dr. Ben Proctor. 

Nugent, who currently carries the title of Kansas Superintendent of the year, begins her new role July 1.

Nugent, a Doniphan County native, from Highland, became the Superintendent of the Atchison Public Schools in 2019.

Calling her departure "bittersweet for the district," the release from USD 409 says the district is "incredibly proud and grateful for her leadership, dedication, and the positive impact she has had on our students, staff, and community."