Robert Tymann and Tim Frazier have arrived at retirement on different career paths, but what they have in common is a commitment to education — and a commitment to staying local.
Dr. Tymann retired on June 30 after eight years as the East Hampton School District's assistant superintendent, capping a long career that began in New York City teaching biology and social studies. He lives in East Hampton and has plans to consult on curriculum and teacher development with the Board of Cooperative Educational Services and school districts other than East Hampton.
"Probably one of the most enjoyable things was the hiring process — choosing the most highly qualified teachers and working with them at the new teacher meetings every month to improve their instruction," Dr. Tymann said. "I learned as much from them as they could have learned from me."
June 30 was also the last day for Mr. Frazier, who came to the South Fork from his native Virginia 20 years ago to become the principal at the Southampton Intermediate School. He lives in Springs and is just beginning his fourth term on the Springs School Board. His wife, Tracey Frazier, is a fifth-grade teacher at the school.
"I think the most rewarding thing is the students I've had here over the years, getting to know such a diverse group of kids, and the Intermediate School being a place where they all come together in our community," Mr. Frazier said by phone as he was cleaning out his desk at the school. "Especially for that age, between 10 and 14 years old, it's an amazing time for them to grow and learn, and it's been great to be a part of that for the last 20 years in the community."
Dr. Tymann is planning on taking up aquaculture; he has signed up for an East Hampton Town program that will allow him to cultivate oysters. He also will spend more time kayaking and golfing, and will continue teaching in the administrative master's degree program at Stony Brook University and serving on the advisory board of St. Joseph's College in Patchogue.
"I'm going to miss the responsibilities" at East Hampton, he said. "That is a driving force to keep pushing you in a direction that helps improve the schools. As far as the things I really enjoy, which is working with teachers on instruction, I will continue to do that probably as long as I'm around."
Mr. Frazier, a former Peace Corps member, said he plans to get involved in the nonprofit world. He is also looking forward to hiking and climbing excursions with longtime friends, heading to places like Mount Rainier in Washington, Mount Whitney in California, and the wilderness of Yosemite National Park. He thanked his secretary, RoseAnn Gentile, saying she has been "at the center of our school community at Southampton Intermediate, and such a great partner here, over the past 20 years."
Dr. Tymann said there are so many people to thank for their assistance, but he gave a special shout-out to the school kitchen crew, bus drivers, and volunteers who helped provide food to children during the Covid-19 pandemic. "Without them, we never could have gotten the meals to all the students. They were so dedicated," he said.