Popular Mamaroneck Superintendent Will Retire After 13 Years

MAMARONECK, NY — Longtime Superintendent Robert Shaps told his school board that he will retire on December 31, of next year.

Shaps told parents that the decision to walk away from a decades-long career was not an easy one.

"After 13 years in the Mamaroneck School District (and 20 years as a superintendent), I believe the timing is right, yet I compose this with much emotion, as the decision did not come easily," Shaps wrote in a letter to families. "I have enjoyed coming to work each and every day. From our deeply committed and talented faculty, staff, and administrators, to the engaged students and parents and the unwavering support of this community, I will forever cherish my years here in Mamaroneck including the many friendships I have formed."

The popular superintendent said that he decided to give a little over a year's notice so that the transition to a new superintendent is as smooth as possible Shaps said he will help the school board recruit and welcome a new top administrator in any way he is able to.

Shaps said that, despite unexpected challenges in recent years, he is confident that he is leaving students in a good place to greet the future.

"After enduring the most challenging public health crisis in history, the impact of Hurricane Ida and so much more, we are now poised for a bright path ahead. Our educational programs – Humanities, STEM, Dual Language, Extracurriculars (Music, the Arts, Athletics) — are stronger than ever, and we have been doing important work around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging that will continue in the years to come," he wrote. "As a district, we have been evolving, modernizing and equipping our students with the skills they need to be well prepared for life after they leave our school system."

The full text of the superintendent's message to students, family and teachers can be read below:

Dear MUFSD Faculty, Staff and Community Members,

At tonight’s Board of Education meeting, I informed the Board and community of my plans to retire effective Dec. 31, 2023. After 13 years in the Mamaroneck School District (and 20 years as a superintendent), I believe the timing is right, yet I compose this with much emotion, as the decision did not come easily.

I have enjoyed coming to work each and every day. From our deeply committed and talented faculty, staff, and administrators, to the engaged students and parents and the unwavering support of this community, I will forever cherish my years here in Mamaroneck including the many friendships I have formed.

I am proud of all we have accomplished together. After enduring the most challenging public health crisis in history, the impact of Hurricane Ida and so much more, we are now poised for a bright path ahead. Our educational programs – Humanities, STEM, Dual Language, Extracurriculars (Music, the Arts, Athletics) – are stronger than ever, and we have been doing important work around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging that will continue in the years to come. As a district, we have been evolving, modernizing and equipping our students with the skills they need to be well prepared for life after they leave our school system.

In short, it has been an honor and a privilege being part of this extraordinary school district, and I look forward to our remaining time together. In early 2023, we will be opening our state-of-the-art STEM CoLab, as well as the Culinary Lab. These new spaces, which will allow for student creation, innovation and pathways, are coming to fruition as a result of the dedication and collaboration of many individuals and departments. The energy and momentum heading into the new year is evident.

My lengthy advance notice enables me to contribute to a smooth and effective transition to a new superintendent, following a timeline for the search set by the Board. I stand ready to help facilitate the process in any way that I can.

Through the leadership of our highly capable Board of Education and our strong administrative team, I am certain that MUFSD’s best years lie ahead! I hope you and your family have time to relax and enjoy the holiday break, and I wish each of you a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Respectfully,

Dr. Robert I. Shaps
Superintendent of Schools