After more than three years, Bethlehem Central Superintendent Thomas Douglas has opted not to renew his contract and will be leaving for a new district in the Southern Tier.
The announcement was made on Friday, June 26, after Douglas was appointed as the superintendent of Horseheads Central School District. He is expected to stay on in his role with Bethlehem schools until August in order to help with the search for a new superintendent.
“Leaving BC is bittersweet,” Douglas said in a letter to staff. “When I arrived in January 2012 from Central New York, I did so with my wife and then two-year-old son, Carter, in tow. We chose Bethlehem in part because we knew Carter would have great educational opportunities here. And he has, having just completed his kindergarten year at Slingerlands. What we did not count on in making that decision was how the distance from the large extended family we left behind would become a burden and how important those family ties would become for our son.”
Douglas said his new position will allow them to be closer to extended family. His contract expired this month.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to thank Dr. Douglas for his service to the Bethlehem Central School District and to our larger community since January 2012,” said Board of Education Presidents Matt Downey. “During his tenure at Bethlehem, Dr. Douglas has been a tireless advocate for our educational program, students, staff, and faculty. His skill and vision has allowed the District to weather the severe financial pressures of recent years and emerge in a strong and secure financial position.”
More in next weeks edition of The Spotlight.
