Board of Education: Chesley Will 'Undoubtedly be Missed'

Editor's Note: The following is a press release from Bethel's Board of Education. Board of Education Chairman Larry Craybas said the board has yet to sit down to discuss Chesley's succession. More details about the process will be reported on next week.

Dr. Gary Chesley, Superintendent of Bethel Public Schools announced his retirement last evening at the Annual Teacher Recognition and Awards Banquet at the Amber Room Colannade.

Larry Craybas, Chairman of Bethel’s Board of Education, confirmed the Board has been aware of Dr. Chesley’s intention to retire for quite some time. Chesley said his is eager to begin the next phase of his life “outside the classroom” where he has dedicated 38 years of  his life building competent staffs and educating thousands of children.

Gary, as he is affectionately known throughout the Bethel school system, based his retirement date on knowing the job he came to do had been done to the very best of his ability.

To quote him from his announcement last evening: “I was able to dream big about what the Bethel Schools might become because I knew that our great teachers could make that vision come true. Step-by-step, we built a strong, united, caring, and dynamic school community. We developed excellent academic programs that launched our graduates to their dreams. We improved our school buildings and made them safe places to learn. We met the challenge of bringing in new teachers, nurturing them as part of our community, making them leaders, watching them grow. We learned together, we raised expectations, we excelled.”

Another goal that Chesley had been working on, known by the Board of  Education and obvious to his administrative staff, was developing a personnel succession plan that assured continuation of quality education in Bethel and sustained the momentum in growing student achievement.

He and all who work educating the children of Bethel, under Gary’s 13 year leadership, have been committed to his one primary mandate: "Our primary purpose is to improve student achievement."

Chesley also said last evening, “... the real joy in this Bethel experience has been watching our seniors cross the stage with diploma in hand, confident that they were prepared to tackle life. The real joy has been to watch the young teachers we hired find confidence and wisdom and then become an inspiration to their students. The real joy has been to watch the life-long Bethel teachers take genuine pride in our accomplishments and to see that smile of satisfaction that says our fortitude has made us something very special. The real joy has been to work side-by-side with those wise and courageous civic leaders who truly do have ‘Bethel in the belly’ and have given me their friendship and good counsel.” 

Most attendees at the Awards Banquet acknowledged that Chesley’s work, in fact, was completed. His legacy will live on and be amplified by those who pick up his mantel and continue the fine work he has fostered and nourished, that is “Providing the best education possible for the children in our care.”

Not one person begrudged his decision to begin this new chapter in his life. Those he mentored and developed are more than ready to carry on and deliver on his mandate.

Chesley will undoubtedly be missed but he leaves a strong educational foundation and school system he and this Board of Education are most proud of.

All affectionately wished Gary and his wife, Diane, good health, God-speed, and safe journey in the years ahead. His colleagues were sorry to see him leave but extremely proud of having worked with him.