The first director of the Coastal Montessori Charter School is stepping down at the end of the year.

In an email sent out by Lonnie Yancsurak, known around the school as Mr.Y, he says he has “mixed emotions” about leaving after one year on the job. He will remain until the current year concludes.

“I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished together in such a short time, but after much consideration, I have decided that the time is right for me to pursue other endeavors,” Yancsurak wrote.

He said he will continue to try to help the school “move forward” the rest of the year and will “work very closely with the board to ensure a smooth transition to the next school leader.”

Yancsurak was hired in April 2012 to help open the new school which began classes in August in the same building as Waccamaw Middle School.

Before moving to the Waccamaw Neck, he taught at other schools across the country, including in Los Angeles high schools.

He also spent a decade working in various industries including retail management, financial services, Internet marketing, and management consulting.

His wife, Shannon gave birth to a daughter in December.

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntimes.com