Gloucester Public Schools’ superintendent Ben Kiser announced Tuesday he will retire from the school division effective July 1, 2014. Kiser has served as superintendent since July 2, 2003. He said his retirement will culminate 40 years in Virginia’s public education system.

Kiser’s announcement was an unscheduled part of the Gloucester School Board’s Tuesday night meeting. Assistant superintendent John Hutchinson said Kiser had announced his decision to his management team, consisting of Hutchinson, assistant superintendent Chuck Wagner, human resources director Juanita Smith and finance director Joanne Wright, on Monday.

Kiser had also informed board members prior to the meeting, and they discussed his departure during their closed session Tuesday before convening in open session, Hutchinson said. During the open meeting, Kiser read his letter of retirement addressed to board chairman Randy Burak, and the board voted unanimously to accep...