By Melanie Lekocevic
Capital Region Independent Media
GREENVILLE — It’s the end of an era.
Peter Mahan, longtime principal of Scott Ellis Elementary School, has retired from the district after more than 20 years with the school.
The district is now seeking a replacement. Interim Principal Joseph Lopez has been filling in for Mahan during his recent absence and will continue serving in the role for the remainder of the school year. Lopez retired from the Ballston Spa Central School District and came out of retirement to serve as Greenville’s interim principal in October after Mahan took time off for health reasons.
Mahan’s retirement was effective Feb. 13, according to a letter District Superintendent Michael Bennett shared with the community earlier this month.
“It has been an absolute joy to serve the community of Scott M. Ellis Elementary School for over 20 years,” Mahan told the faculty and staff. “During that time, we have experienced tremendous change within our school and within the world. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to recruit and work with so many remarkable faculty and staff members who are fully committed to supporting children as they grow as thinkers, individuals, friends and citizens.”
Mahan initially announced that he would retire at the end of the school year, but later informed the district he would be moving up his date of retirement to February, Bennett said.
Mahan started working for the district more than two decades ago as an administrative intern and moved up the ranks to the elementary school’s top post.
“Mr. Mahan’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inspiring learning environment, passion for education and genuine care for each member of our school community has been a guiding light over the past 20 years,” Bennett said in a Jan. 4 letter to the community when Mahan’s original intent to retire was announced. “I would like to express my deepest gratitude for his decades of service and my warmest wishes for a fulfilling retirement.”
The district has launched the search to find Mahan’s replacement and hopes to have the position filled beginning July 1. Applications will continue to be accepted for the post until Feb. 25.
The job posting was published by the district Jan. 30.
“The principal will be expected to provide support and leadership during the critical years of a student’s educational growth and development,” according to the job posting. “It is also expected that the principal continually engage in professional growth and facilitate such growth in others.”