Shakopee Schools Interim Superintendent Gary Anger has taken a medical leave to treat an aggressive form of small cell carcinoma.
Anger, 53, said he'll begin an intensive treatment regimen this week, but did not provide a prognosis for the fast-growing disease.
"I have a great support team and will fight every inch of the way," he wrote in an e-mail Monday to inform staff members about the diagnosis.
"I am heartbroken to not be able to continue joining you during my treatment in the amazing work we have done in my short time in the Shakopee Schools," he wrote. "I love working as an educator and please know that I will be following your continued progress while I am away."
"I love you all and hope to be able to return in full health."
In a personal Facebook post, Anger elaborated that he is fighting the non-lung version of small cell carcinoma. He thanked the community for an outpouring of support and assured friends that all he needs right now are prayers for his wife, two daughters and mother during his recovery.
"I think I've said 'I love you' more in the last few days than at any time in my life. It helps! I love you all and thanks for being a part of my life!" he wrote to supporters. "I'm praying for all of you to not bear great sadness, but to help lift each other up."
District spokeswoman Crystal McNally said they are working on a plan for leadership during his absence. Details have not yet been released.
The Shakopee school board approved Anger as the interim superintendent in July, electing him to lead the district through crisis following the resignation of embattled former superintendent Rod Thompson, who remains under police investigation for alleged misuse of district credit cards.
Anger is the former superintendent of Zumbrota-Mazeppa schools and spent 12 years as the principal of Red Pine Elementary School in Eagan.
His Shakopee contract runs through June 30, 2019.
Liz Sawyer • 612-673-4648
