Sag Harbor Superintendent Retiring

The search is on for a new Sag Harbor School District superintendent following Katy Graves’s retirement announcement last week.

Graves, who has led the district the last five years, had her resignation letter formally accepted at the May 6 board meeting. Her retirement will be effective January 6, 2020.

“Since 2014, when Katy Graves became our superintendent, she has consistently based her leadership decisions on what is best for children, fair for adults, and what the community can sustain,” board president Diana Kolhoff said. “On behalf of the entire Sag Harbor Board of Education, we express our sincere gratitude to our superintendent of schools for her years of diligent service and unwavering dedication to our students, our staff, and our entire community.”

During Graves’s tenure, the district implemented a bond project, which included numerous safety and security measures and schools and grounds updates. Playing fields at the elementary and middle/high schools were revamped, and the Pierson auditorium was rebuilt. There was also a launch and expansion of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM) classes and clubs throughout the district, including computer science classes and a K-12 robotics club.

The successful passing of a bond led to the purchase of Stella Maris Regional School, with construction currently taking place to open the Sag Harbor Learning Center for the 2019-2020 school year. Graves also oversaw the expansion of shared services with surrounding school districts, including partnerships with Wainscott and Sagaponack, along with an increase in wellness initiatives throughout the district in partnership with various community organizations.

In her meeting with the staff, Graves thanked the board of education, community, and staff for continued support during her tenure. She indicated her decision to retire would enable her to spend more time with her family.

“I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the board of education and the community for allowing me to serve as your superintendent of schools. Together, along with our wonderful and dedicated staff, we have accomplished so many goals, and our children have benefited from our work as a team,” Graves said.

“It has been a remarkable journey and an honor to work with a community that cares so deeply for children and their education. I am very proud of all we have accomplished for the schools and especially for the children of this beautiful community. While I am retiring to spend more time with my own family, I will remain a friend to all in Sag Harbor. This is a wonderful community in which to live and to educate children,” she said.

desiree@indyeastend.com