Hampton School Board Says Goodbye

This week's Hampton School District School Board meeting served as the backdrop for multiple farewells, as it was the last session under School Administrative Unit 21 and the last session for five retiring teachers.

Hampton's withdrawal from SAU 21 is effective July 1, and board members took time during Tuesday's meeting to thank Superintendent Bob Sullivan and the rest of the SAU 21 staff for their work over the years.

"We appreciate all the help you've given us," said Board Chairman Rosemary Lamers. "We look forward to working with you in the future."

Sullivan said the withdrawal has made this school year "busy and very exciting," especially the past few weeks because Centre School, Marston School and Hampton Academy are so close from officially moving to SAU 90, a move that has been highly-anticipated for years.

"I want to express my personal thanks to the Hampton School Board" and staff in the three departing schools, said Sullivan. "I will miss you all." 

Tuesday also featured heartfelt farewells to five, longtime teachers, all of whom are retiring at the end of the school year: Karin Jacobson, a Centre School first grade teacher; Joan Greenwood, Hampton Academy's family and consumer sciences teacher; Priscilla McCallum, a Marston School fourth grade teacher; Bobbie Schults, Marston School's art teacher; and Jane Copp, Hampton Academy's art teacher.

School board members gave gifts to each teacher and said a few words about the individuals. Jacobson was the only retiring teacher present at the meeting, and Lamers took the time to "personally thank Karin so much."

"What you brought to the children of Hampton was unparalleled," said Lamers. "I can't thank you enough for both my family and the community of Hampton."

Jacobson said it was an honor to be recognized in that way, and said her 20 years of experience in the district have been an "enjoyable" experience.

"It's been a pleasure to work with Hampton," she said.

Centre School Principal Tim Lannan, Marston School Principal Lois Costa and Hampton Academy Dave O'Connor accepted the school board gifts on behalf on the teachers not present Tuesday.

Each said they would deliver the gifts to their teachers on Wednesday.