AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) – A man once named Colorado Superintendent of the Year has decided to leave the Aurora School District.

Superintendent John Barry has been with Aurora Public Schools since 2006. In that time dropout rates are down, graduation rates are up, and state testing scores have gone up every year.

Barry says he had only planned to stay with the district for five years and feels now is the right time to move on.

“I’ve been moved deeply by my experiences in Aurora Public Schools. After a full career in the military helping to defend this nation with millions of others, I have been honored to serve with you all in helping to defend the right of every child to learn in Aurora Public Schools,” said Barry.

He will stay through the end of the current school year.