Michael Miller, who has been principal of the Bridgehampton School since 2018, is leaving the district to take the superintendent and principal position in the East Quogue School District as of July 1, and on Thursday the district announced that the assistant principal, Michael Cox, will take over from Mr. Miller.
Mr. Cox was hired as assistant principal and director for data and instruction services midway through the 2018-19 school year. Previously, he was at the Shelter Island School, where he was the elementary chairman and an elementary math and science teacher. He also taught and coached in the Harborfields School District and taught at the Sachem and Sayville School Districts.
“Since joining our district five years ago, Mr. Cox has established himself with students, families and staff as a warm, enthusiastic and skillful educator,” the district's superintendent, Mary T. Kelly said in a release. “He has immersed himself in the life of the school community, is fully engaged in the important work of actively promoting a positive school culture and instructional program that are focused on the academic success and the social and emotional well-being of all students, for whom he is an unwavering advocate."
In announcing Mr. Miller's hiring, East Quogue’s school board president, Christopher Hudson, said he “stood out as a highly qualified candidate” early on in the search process.
“His past leadership experience and passion for education, coupled with his ability to make strong connections with district staff and community, are … what we value in East Quogue. We look forward to having him as part of our school family,” Mr. Hudson said in a statement.
According to its website, East Quogue educates about 400 students in kindergarten through sixth grade, about double that of the Bridgehampton School’s enrollment in prekindergarten through 12th grade.
Bridgehampton is the third South Fork district to undergo a change in leadership. The Springs School is searching for a new principal and assistant principal following the resignation of Christine Cleary and Josh Odom in February. The Montauk School recently hired Mr. Odom as the successor to its longtime superintendent and principal, Jack Perna, who is retiring.
Mr. Miller, who can frequently be seen wearing a blazer featuring the Bridgehampton “Killer Bees” logo, was first hired by the district in 2015 as a physical education teacher and athletic director.
“I am honored, humbled, and extremely excited to be part of the East Quogue family,” Mr. Miller said. “I am looking forward to cultivating relationships with our wonderful students, our inspirational faculty and staff, and our supportive community who continues to value education and put our student needs first.”