HATFIELD — Hatfield School Superintendent Martin McEvoy will be leaving the district June 30 after a year guiding the public schools through the COVID-19 pandemic.
McEvoy, of Pittsfield, was appointed unanimously by the School Committee last March. He announced this week that he is resigning as superintendent on June 30.
“While the past pandemic year certainly presented formidable challenges, we have been overcoming them and positioning the district for continued success in the future,” McEvoy said in an interview Thursday.
In a letter that went to families Wednesday, McEvoy wrote that he would be pursuing professional opportunities in learning and teaching in which he will work more closely with teachers and students, as well as be closer to his home in Berkshire County.
“I am grateful to the School Committee for hiring me and to the students, staff and entire community who worked so hard during this difficult pandemic year,” McEvoy wrote in the letter. “I wish everyone the very best as the district moves forward into the future.”
McEvoy took over for John Robert, who retired last July 1 after 10 years at the helm. The district consists of Smith Academy and Hatfield Elementary School.
“The district remains solid, and I will finish my time at the HPS strong,” McEvoy wrote.
School Committee Chairwoman Jill Robinson said McEvoy submitted his resignation to her on Tuesday. She spoke with him at length about his decision before reluctantly accepting it.
“I believe Marty has done a very commendable job guiding our district through this tumultuous and difficult time, and I thank him for the tremendous amount of hard work and care he has put into his role as superintendent since he’s been with us,” Robinson said.
Prior to coming to Hatfield, McEvoy served as principal of Herberg Middle School in Pittsfield. He also served as principal of Lanesborough Elementary School and vice principal for curriculum and instruction at the Hoosac Valley Middle and High School in Cheshire.
The School Committee will meet April 12 to begin planning its search for a new superintendent and aims to have the next district leadership in place by July 1. Robinson said she is sure that can happen, and that the public schools remain on solid footing.
“We’ve all worked very hard this year to ensure and build on the success of our district into the future, and I have great confidence in that moving forward,” Robinson said.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
