Webb to retire as Neshaminy school board president

Ritchie Webb, Neshaminy school board president for the last five years, has been described in a variety of ways during his decade on the board: a gentleman, a fierce negotiator, a man whose primary interest was to either improve the district or hurt the teachers union, depending on the source.

Soon, characterizing him will take only one word: retired.

Webb, 60, a Republican who headed the district during one of the longest teacher contract impasses in recent state history, unexpectedly announced Monday that he is stepping down from the board Dec. 31 to spend more time with his family.

"It's time for me to be Dad and Grandpa," Webb said in an interview Tuesday.

The timing of the announcement comes as Neshaminy - and Webb - have been swept up in a national debate about the use of the word Redskins for sports teams.

But Webb - who was derided by an ESPN anchor last month for defending the school's use of the term - said that controversy did not affect his decision.

"I don't see that as a major concern for the board," he said.

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