Connor retires

WINSTED — After nearly four decades as an educator, Northwestern Regional High School Principal Wayne Connor will retire at the end of the current school year.

Connor formally notified the Region 7 Board of Education of his intention to step down from his administrative post at a regular meeting Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Board members unanimously accepted his resignation “with regret.�

“It is with a heavy heart that I think we have to accept your letter,� Board of Education Chairmain Molly Read-Sexton said after reading Connor’s letter of resignation aloud at last week’s meeting.

Connor’s last day on the job will be June 30, 2010.

“I know when it is time to say when, and it’s time to say when,� Connor said. “It’s hard, but it’s time.�

Connor has spent the last 26 years as a member of the district’s school staff. He has served as a teacher, housemaster and principal.

Connor said he is proud of the progress and accomplishments the school’s students and staff have made during his tenure as head of the high school. And so, he felt it was a good time to step down and retire.

“I’ve seen too many people stay too long,� he said. “I feel good about our school, and this is a great class to go out with.�

School board members thanked Connor for his service, professionalism and dedication to the district and its students over the years.

“It’s been a pleasure working with you. You’re always a gentleman with a smile on your face,� school board member Tara Yard of Norfolk said.

Fellow board member Dan Jerram of New Hartford agreed.

“You’ve always had a habit of celebrating student success, and now we are celebrating your success,� Jerram said, after which the entire board delivered an extended round of applause for Connor.