By THOMAS LUCKIE III

North Country Now

OGDENSBURG – Outgoing Ogdensburg City School District Superintendent Timothy Vernsey offered a reflective statement at his final Board of Education meeting as superintendent on Monday. Vernsey will officially retire at the end of the calendar year after being employed by the district for 32 years.

“Tonight is the last time I will sit at a Board of Education meeting as your superintendent of schools. While this is an exciting time for me, it’s also a time that has me wondering where the time all went. 32 years goes faster than you would think,” Vernsey said.

Vernsey was initially hired by the district as a school psychologist in 1987 and has served as superintendent since November of 2008.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Education, my fellow administrators past and present, and the faculty and staff for making the Ogdensburg City School District a great place for students, families and the people who work here. Working with the youth of our community has been an honor and a blessing,” he added.

The outgoing superintendent also noted that he will have fond memories of his alma mater during his final week of work.

“As I’ve said to many people over the years, I feel so fortunate to have fate send me into education and work my whole career as a Blue Devil,” Vernsey said.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Technology Kevin Kendall will succeed Vernsey as superintendent effective Jan 1.

District Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds James McCarthy and Board of Education President Roland Johnson offered congratulations and thanks to Vernsey at the close of the meeting. The outgoing superintendent also received a standing ovation from those in attendance.

“I don’t know when the next meeting is,” Vernsey joked, before Kendall announced that the next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 14.