Is Oxford Schools Superintendent Dr. William Skilling looking to move?
A recent listing on the website Craigslist showed his house, located at 45 Park Street in Oxford Village, was posted for sale on May 27 at a price of $229,900.
When asked why his house was for sale in a June 6 phone interview, Skilling, who’s lived in the village since 2007, replied, ‘That’s personal.?
‘It has nothing to do with work, but seriously why would you ask me that? If I was selling a car or anything else, would you be asking me (about) that,? he questioned.
Skilling, who recently had his contract extended through 2019, was adamant that the listing had nothing to do with his job and that nothing is changing.
‘I don’t know where I am moving (to) yet, but my intention has always (been) to have land and so now, we just thought the market was good. That’s really nothing to do with my job; that’s a personal thing. I don’t want a story written about where I live or move to,? he said. ‘If there is a story about me leaving or retiring, yeah, that’s a story. This is not a story.?
Skilling said he and his wife had always planned on selling their current home.
‘I’ve stayed here longer than I thought I would to be honest with you,? he added.
When asked where he was going, Skilling wasn’t sure yet. ‘We’ve haven’t found a different house yet, he said. ‘So, we don’t know yet.?
When asked if he was planning to stay in Oxford, Skilling replied, ‘Yep.?
‘I really don’t want a story done about my house. Where I live doesn’t matter to people,? he continued. ‘If you want to do a story about me leaving my job or retiring, yeah I get that, but I’m not leaving my job, so there is nothing to tell.?
When told the public is going to ask why when they find out his home is for sale, Skilling said, ‘It’s none of their business,? and the fact that he is a public official ‘doesn’t matter.?
‘If I was leaving or taking another job or if I was retiring, you wouldn’t hear about it through the rumor mill or on Craigslist. I would be making it public,? he told this reporter. ‘I just don’t want a story on it. I don’t think it’s people’s business (as to) what house I choose to buy or not buy and where I live. I don’t think that has anything to do with anybody else.?
Skilling said he’s not sure he will even be able to sell his Park St. home.
He explained he doesn’t want a repeat of what happened with his previous home.
‘When I came here, I got caught in the market (downturn) and lost a lot of money in my other house. I didn’t want to get into another situation where I would get caught again,? he said. ‘We’re just testing the market. I’m not going anywhere. I’m not changing jobs (and) I’m not looking for a job or anything like that. That’s why it’s not a story.?
Since this reporter spoke with Skilling, the 45 Park St. listing has since been removed from the Craigslist website.
Skilling did not return calls prior to deadline seeking comment as to why the listing had been taken down.