East Greenbush CSD Superintendent to retire

EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- On Monday, the East Greenbush Central School District Superintendent Jeffrey Simons announced his retirement. The district's Board of Education is set to approve Simons' retirement at its Wednesday meeting.

Simons was hired as Superintendent of Schools in 2016 but has been in the education field as both a school leader and educator. Simons spent his first six years as an educator as an elementary school teacher before becoming a principal, development specialist, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent. He previously was the Superintendent of Schools in the Rome City School District.

In a letter to the district's faculty, staff and families, he described his time at East Greenbush as an honor.

"Upon reflection on my 25 years as a school leader and 32 years in public education, I consider my experience serving as your Superintendent for almost 9 years to have been a distinct honor and the most rewarding experience of my educational journey," he wrote.

During his time at East Greenbush, the district has earned many accomplishments and expanded in school academic opportunities, such as college classes, career and technical education programs, a new pre-kindergarten program and navigated education through a pandemic by hiring specialists to help in math and reading subjects. The district has also earned Top Workplace and Best School District in Capital Region contests.

His retirement is planned for the end of the school year, effective July 1, 2025. The announcement coming roughly eight months prior will give the district ample time to find a new superintendent, according to the district's Board of Education.

"It is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank Mr. Simons for his nine years of dedication and service to our district," the Board of Education said in the statement. "His unwavering leadership has brought us many accolades and accomplishments, but his legacy will also include the compassion and respect he embodies.

"Hiring a Superintendent of Schools is the most important task a Board of Education takes on, and we want to ensure the community that we are committed to finding the best next leader for our great district," the board statement continued. "Community input will be included during the process. Details on our path forward including opportunities to contribute will be provided in the coming weeks and months."

The Board of Education meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Central Administration. The full letter sent to family, faculty and staff can be found on the district's website.