The Bridgehampton School District last week appointed a new superintendent, Mary T. Kelly, who was chosen from a pool of 21 applicants.
Dr. Kelly will succeed Robert Hauser, who will part ways with Bridgehampton after more than a decade, first as business administrator and then as superintendent since early 2018.
Dr. Kelly was previously the superintendent in the Amityville School District in western Suffolk County, a position she had held since 2014. She has also held leadership positions in the Kings Park and East Meadow School Districts.
"I am honored and humbled for this opportunity to serve the Bridgehampton community. There are many things that I was drawn to, perhaps like a bee to honey," Dr. Kelly said after the board voted 6-to-0 to hire her on May 26.
She starts July 1 and her contract runs through June 30, 2024. Her starting salary is $215,000 plus benefits. Her contract states she must undergo a yearly medical exam and performance review, and that she is permitted to take on paid "speaking engagements, writings, lecturing, or other professional duties, obligations, and activities" with the prior approval of the school board.
"It is very clear that this school district and this community are very much a family," Dr. Kelly said. "To me, it's an opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of such a caring and supportive community that is so focused on the well-being of the students and their families."
She said she hopes to implement "the very best learning opportunities and experiences that we can possibly offer and continue to offer our students."
Carla Lillie, a Bridgehampton School Board member, said the board is looking forward to "Dr. Kelly's leadership and vision." Mr. Hauser congratulated Dr. Kelly and said he is anticipating a smooth administrative transition.
"We welcome Dr. Kelly to the hive, and we look forward to working closely with her to continue growth in the Bridgehampton School District," said Ron White, the school board president.
This story has been updated since it was first published.