STARKSBORO — Robinson Elementary School Principal Patrick Hartnett submitted his letter of resignation to the Addison Northeast Supervisory Union on March 6, indicating that he would step down at the end of the year. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to helm the Starksboro school for three years.
“It has been a pleasure to work for the community (children, parents and residents) of Starksboro, the staff of Robinson school and the employees of the ANeSU,” Hartnett wrote. “I have met many talented and dedicated individuals over the past three years. I will miss working with them.”
Hartnett on Friday said that the commute to and from Starksboro and his home in Fairfield — about 110 miles daily — was just too much. He said he was impressed with the ANeSU’s focus on new initiatives for the coming school year, but feels Robinson needs a leader who is more devoted to the job than he would be.
“In good consciousness I could not stay on knowing they’re looking for an investment in the future,” Hartnett said.
Hartnett, 54, plans to slide into what he called “semi-retirement.” He plans to spend more time with his wife, Laura, now that their two sons are off to college.
Hartnett has been an educator his entire professional career, dating back to 1984. His past posts include working as a teacher in a prep school in Connecticut, a Navajo reservation in Arizona, and a school in North Carolina. In Vermont, he has taught or been an administrator in Missisquoi, Westford, St. Albans Town and Starksboro school districts.
Hartnett does not have another job lined up, but said he hopes to remain an educator. He said he has been proud to serve as principal of Robinson Elementary, and thanked Superintendent David Adams.
“He’s been incredibly supportive of me, and he’s a very hard worker,” Harnett said of Adams.
Robinson isn’t the only school in the ANeSU searching for a new principal. Monkton Central School is also searching for a new leader, after Susan Stewart resigned.