Friends, community leaders and district staff will gather to celebrate Superintendent Rob Metz’s 19 year St. Louis Park Public Schools career at his retirement reception May 18.

Metz’s retirement reception will take place at the Park Place DoubleTree hotel, according to district communications director Sara Thompson.

Thompson said the party will feature student performances, including background piano music from Marco Giovannelli.

“Aquila Theater Arts Singers is a group of Aquila students … and they will be doing four songs from the ‘Lion King Jr.’ production,” Thompson said. “So we will have about a dozen kids from Aquila.”

Thompson said students, staff and community members are all invited to the open house party. She also said the DoubleTree donated the space for the party and the School Board fundraised to purchase refreshments.

Thompson said the party is a casual, drop-in event.

“It’s very much like you would think of a graduation open house reception. So come, have a little snack, wish Mr. Metz well,” Thompson said. “The School Board chair, Jim Yarosh, will do just a very short thank you to the superintendent. Rob will also do a very short thank you to the district.”

In lieu of gifts, Thompson said guests are encouraged to make donations to Aquila Elementary PTO, Dollars for Scholars, Children First or St. Louis Park Public Schools Foundation.

Metz’s retirement reception will take place from 4-7 p.m. May 18 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 1500 Park Place Blvd.