Josh Odom, currently the English department coordinator at East Hampton High School, has been hired as the assistant principal of the Springs School, effective July 1. He succeeds Maria Mondini, herself a former East Hampton High School assistant principal, who came out of retirement to help out at Springs during the pandemic.
The Springs School Board approved Mr. Odom's appointment and Ms. Mondini's retirement during an April 26 meeting.
Of Ms. Mondini, Debra Winter, the Springs superintendent, said "she brought a sense of humor to a very difficult, challenging opening for Springs School. I want to thank her for stepping up. She didn't have to."
And of Mr. Odom, Ms. Winter said, "His smile brightens a room and we absolutely think he's the right one to complete our cabinet and administrative team."
Springs hired Mr. Odom at a salary of $120,000 plus benefits. He went through a "grueling interview experience" and was the successful candidate from a pool of 88 applicants, Ms. Winter said.
Adam Fine, the assistant superintendent of the East Hampton School District, who worked with Mr. Odom during his 10 years as principal, called Mr. Odom's new post "a huge loss for East Hampton and a huge gain for Springs. Josh is a wonderful educator who always puts the students' needs first. Personally, I am going to miss his calming demeanor and positive attitude."