Bloomfield Central School District Superintendent Andy Doell will miss the "incredible" faculty and staff and "amazing" students.
Doell, who has announced his retirement after nine years, will also miss being part of the special milestone moments, and there have been many of them over the years.
Kindergarten and high school graduations, Halloween parades and sectional championships are among them. So is watching as parents take their first-day-of-school photos before sending their children into the classrooms.
"It hits you that what we do is special in education," Doell said. "I'm going to miss seeing and being part of that."
Doell's retirement from a district and community he calls a special place will be effective Dec. 31.
Doell, who served on
the New York State Rural Schools Association Board of Directors and received the 2023 William Deming Award for his dedication to rural student success and expanded academic opportunities, formally notified the Board of Education of his plans.
“Serving the Bloomfield Central School District over the past nine years has been the privilege of a lifetime," Doell said.
Doell's accomplishments in Bloomfield
Under his leadership, Bloomfield expanded academic, athletic, career and credentialing opportunities, including the Seal of Biliteracy and Seal of Civic Readiness, as well as strengthened partnerships with colleges, universities and community organizations to benefit students and staff, district officials said.
Doell also was at the helm for major investments in facilities, accessibility, student programs and safety through capital improvement projects.
Doell said every district has struggled as far as funding goes, and he wishes he could have come up with a solution to figure out how to get more aid and more revenue to the district.
"Given the challenges, I'm pretty happy with what we have been able to do," Doell said.
Doell has been much more than an exceptional superintendent, stated Board President James Spelman.
“He has been a caring, compassionate, and steady leader who has always kept students and the community at the heart of his work," Spelman said in a statement.
How Doell came to Bloomfield
Doell succeeded former Superintendent Michael Midey, who announced his reirement in 2017 after serving 10 years. Doell took over the job Jan. 1, 2018. Doell, a former elementary teacher in Canandaigua who before taking the Bloomfield superintendency was principal at Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls, was selected from 20 candidates.
In thanking Doell for his service, district officials released a statement, which reads in part: "While Mr. Doell’s accomplishments as superintendent are significant, his impact on Bloomfield extends beyond programs, partnerships, and projects. He has led the district with a calm, steady, and compassionate approach, building relationships and demonstrating a genuine commitment to the people he serves.
"More than an exceptional superintendent, Andy has been a caring and compassionate servant-leader. His leadership has helped guide the district through a period of growth and change while keeping students and the community at the heart of the work."
Who will be the next Bloomfield superintendent?
The school board will launch a search for the next superintendent immediately.
DIstrict officials said a survey of Bloomfield staff and community will help to determine the traits and dispositions desired in the next school district leader.
The district will begin a recruitment process to encourage applications for the position, and due-diligence background checks of all candidates will take place, officials said.
Two interview committees that will include faculty, staff, students, parents, administrators and community members will be created. These committees will interview the finalists and provide feedback on the candidates to the Board of Education.
The school board hopes to conclude the search process by early November to ensure a smooth transition, officials said.
If a new superintendent is able to begin in January, then district officials said there will be no need for an interim superintendent.
What's next for Bloomfield Superintendent Andy Doell?
Doell said he has no firm plans for retirement, other than to spend more time with his family. He loves being in education and having an impact on students, but the decision to retire comes at the right time.
"It's the right time, not only for me but for my family," Doell said.
And now, when his father, an avid fisherman, calls and asks if Doell has time to get on the lake with him, he can give an answer he hasn't always been able to give the last nine years.
"I've had to say no," Doell said. "I'm looking forward to being able to say yes."
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: School superintendent in Ontario County announces retirement
