Albert Lea Area Schools Deputy Superintendent Lori Volz has opted to stay in Albert Lea.

Superintendent Mike Funk said Volz told him Friday morning that after much reflection and discussion with her family and members of the district administration, she will not accept a position with Mankato Area Public Schools as director of business services.

Volz announced last month she had accepted a position with the Mankato district. In the days that followed, groups of residents and staff have spoken out in appreciation of Volz in both public and private meetings and in letters to the editor, encouraging her to stay.

“She wanted to let everyone know that all her dealings with the Mankato school district were first-class,” Funk said. “Albert Lea is just a better fit.

“I believe at the end of the day it came down to the great level of support our community has offered her.”

Volz started with the district in 2009 when she was hired as the director of finance and operations. She became deputy superintendent in October 2014.

She previously worked for 15 years in Blue Earth and 11 years in Austin in the school finance field.

If she had taken the job in Mankato, she would have replaced Jerry Kolander, who is retiring after 29 years of service.

The Mankato position would have offered $144,500, according to the Mankato Free Press.

Her position in Albert Lea pays $139,437, according to Funk.

Volz could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.