Port Jefferson Elementary Principal Announces Retirement

PORT JEFFERSON, NY — Thomas Meehan, principal of Edna Louise Spear Elementary School, is scheduled to retire on Dec. 31, according to the Port Jefferson School District. He was honored at a recent board of education meeting.

Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan spoke highly of Meehan’s decade of service at the helm of the elementary school, citing his skills and initiatives such as instituting the school’s Grade 5 Safety Patrol Leadership Program and collaborating with the Port Jefferson Fire Department in the annual 9/11 ceremony.

She also spoke of his relationships with both the Royal Educational Foundation and the PTA over the years resulting in the raised garden beds for science and nutrition lessons, a gaga ball pit for physical education and socialization, and a book vending machine which encourages reading for education and fun.

Meehan is affectionately known as "Mr. Port Jefferson." He is a graduate of the Port Jefferson School District, as well as a member of the fire department. He is a part of the beach community and regularly hikes around the village. He was lauded for his commitment to the students of the district.

"It’s always about our students," Schmettan said via news release. "He knows all of our elementary children and their families by name."

She added that Meehan isn’t afraid to jump into the gaga ball pit, shoot a few hoops, examine a science project, join in on a music lesson, direct a bus, investigate a furnace or read a class a book.

"He truly is a master of all talents," she said.

Schmettan and the board presented him with a gift and applauded his leadership and service.

"It was an honor for me to be principal," Meehan said. "It meant so much to me and my family."

The board of education is set to appoint a new principal for the elementary school at next Tuesday's meeting.