The Springs School District on Monday announced the resignation of both its principal, Christine Cleary, and assistant principal, Josh Odom. Mr. Odom is set to succeed Jack Perna as principal and superintendent of the Montauk School.
Both Ms. Cleary and Mr. Odom will remain in their positions at Springs through the end of the school year, the superintendent, Debra Winter, told parents in a message on Monday evening. Their resignations are on the agenda for school board's Tuesday night meeting.
Ms. Winter herself has already announced her intention to retire at the end of the 2023-24 school year, meaning that the district will be simultaneously looking to replace its top three administrators.
Ms. Cleary has been at the school for 17 years. The district's assistant principal for six years, she was appointed acting principal in August 2020 and permanent principal in February 2021. Before becoming the Springs School's assistant principal in July 2021, Mr. Odom was the English department coordinator at East Hampton High School. The Montauk School announced his appointment on Monday.
In a letter to the Montauk School community, Mr. Odom said that he is "eager to dig in and get to work," and added that "during my teaching career at East Hampton High School, I heard students sing the praises of Montauk School and how important it is to them. Everyone should take great pride in knowing this school’s profound impact on so many." Originally from South Carolina, he has lived on the East End with his family for the past 14 years, and said "the character and deep sense of community that Montauk embodies make it abundantly clear that I am in the place I was meant to be."
Ms. Cleary "will be moving upstate to attend to her family," Ms. Winter said in a letter to Springs parents on Monday night.
The Springs School Board will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the school library.