The following letter was received by the all-Island school committee this week.

While the past nine-plus years have been the most rewarding in my 46 years as an educator, the time has come to begin a new chapter in my life journey. Please accept this letter as my official notice that I will retire from the Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools on June 30, 2015. As required by my contract and good practice, I am writing now to allow the AISC ample time to seek a suitable replacement.

Coming to Martha’s Vineyard has been truly wonderful for me, and it is my intention to remain on the Island enjoying my retirement, reading on the beach and floating in my kayak. This is a very special place and I am so pleased to call it home.

The Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools and its five composite districts provide outstanding educational programming for the 2,100-plus students who enter our schoolrooms every day. This is due in large part to the dedicated and professional teachers, ESPs, secretaries, custodians and cafeteria workers who come to work every day with one thought in mind — doing what is best for our young people. The Island community is the most supportive one I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and its generosity is unmatched. Attending meetings with the 14 school committee members has been interesting and enjoyable work, and, yes, I will miss it. I have been pleased to say that I am the superintendent of schools on Martha’s Vineyard, and I hope that I have been able to make a contribution to the future of our Island’s students.

I trust that you will accept this letter and grant me the reimbursement for unused sick time as detailed in my contract.

Thank you for allowing me to work in such a fantastic school system.

James H. Weiss
Oak Bluffs