Longtime Farmington School Chief Announces Retirement

FARMINGTON, CT — The Farmington School System's longtime leader recently announced that the 2024-25 school year will be her last.

Farmington Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Greider announced her impending retirement in a letter to the community late last month.

Hired in 2009, Greider has earned numerous educational accolades, including being named the state's superintendent of the year in 2019.

Under contract through the 2025-26 school year, Greider said after 35 years in education, 16 as Farmington's top school official, it was time to retire.

In a heartfelt letter to the community, she praised students and staff, past and present, for their work and progress.

"During the past 16 years, I have joyfully watched our students, with the support of all of you, accomplish personal and academic excellence in all aspects of their education," Greider wrote in a Jan. 29 letter.

"I feel immense pride and appreciation for the people who make up this extraordinary learning organization and community," she wrote.

In her letter, she also thanked Farmington Board of Education members past and present for their continued support of her and of Farmington schools.

"Thank you for sharing your hopes and dreams with me over the past 16 years. Please know that It has been an honor to be a part of your lives and the lives of our extraordinary students. The memories of my time in Farmington will fill my days with joy and fulfillment," said Greider in her letter.

Greider's announcement will give the school board time to take the necessary steps to find a replacement.

Farmington Board of Education Chairman Bill Beckert, who served the board throughout Greider's 16 years leading Farmington schools, had nothing but praise for her in a letter to the community.

He called her announcement last month "bittersweet."

"The absence of her intellect, her sense of humor, her focus and drive, her self-sacrifice and dedication to the Town of Farmington, will leave a hole in all of our hearts," wrote Beckert.

"I know Farmington has a special place in her heart. I can say with confidence that she occupies a special place in the hearts of so many Farmington families who have been impacted by her stewardship of our schools."

For Greider and Beckert's full letters to the community regarding the superintendent's retirement, click on this link.