East Hampton School Official Stepping Down

Assistant Superintendent Kevin Reich announced at Monday's Board of Education meeting that he is retiring from his administrative role on Nov. 1.

Reich will remain on the school's staff in a part-time capacity as the district's director of operations, which is a position the board approved following its meeting Monday, said Superintendent Judith Golden.

Under the new job, Reich will be paid $41,600 to remain on staff from Nov. 1 2012 to Oct. 31, 2013. Per the contract between Reich and the board, he'll work 80 days helping with the district's facilities and operations, Golden said.

"But if you know Kevin, I suspect he will be paid for 80 days and will be working for much more," Golden joked. "I think the town is fortunate to have such a strong administrator. He's such a help to the community."

Golden is also slated to retire in 2013.

Here's the full text of Reich's resignation letter sent to East Hampton-Portland Patch.

Dear East Hampton Community,

On Monday evening, September 10, 2012, I informed the East Hampton Board of Education of my intention to retire from the East Hampton Public Schools effective November 1, 2012. I fondly remember being interviewed by Miss Dorothea Isleib in June of 1972. I would never have imagined that 39 years later I would be announcing my retirement from a school district that has been very good to me.

Throughout my tenure, I have had the opportunity of working with many dedicated Board of Education members, town officials, and superintendents who provided support and guidance. I am also grateful to have been able to work side by side with gifted and resourceful administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, nurses, cafeteria staff, custodians, technology staff, and central office staff who assisted me throughout my career.

As I look back on my tenure, I truly appreciate the Board of Education members and the staff who advocated for a quality education for our East Hampton students. I would also be remiss if I did not acknowledge the support the school district and the community provided to me and my family throughout my career. Your kindness, support and prayers during my wife Joanne’s illness and the assistance you provided me and my son, Matthew, following her passing is something I will always cherish.

As I look back on my career, I will always have a warm spot in my heart for the students and their parents that I have had the pleasure of working with. My ten years of teaching at Center Elementary School and the East Hampton Middle School were very special. Words cannot express how much I enjoyed serving in that capacity. These were very special years that I will never forget.

In closing, I would like to thank those in East Hampton who supported me during my thirty-nine year career with the East Hampton Public Schools. Your support has afforded me the opportunity to serve the students, their families and the community. My intent is to maintain a residence in East Hampton and offer my time and talents in any way possible I a community that I have come to love and call home.

With deepest gratitude,

Kevin M. Reich