Dumas Set To Retire; Former Superintendent To Serve As Interim Principal

FULTON, NY – After nearly a decade, G. Ray Bodley High School Principal Dennis Dumas is officially slated to retire.

The Fulton Board of Education accepted Dumas’ retirement resignation Tuesday. It becomes effective March 15, 2009.

Superintendent Bill Lynch expressed thanks to Dumas for his dedication to the students and staff at G. Ray Bodley. Lynch explained that Dumas has led GRB at a time of unprecedented educational change during his eight years as assistant principal and principal.

“Dennis has always represented our high school as an integral part of the greater Fulton community and is recognized for the dignified and respectful manner in which he interacted with students, staff and the community,” Lynch said.

Lynch pointed out that Dumas will leave the high school prior to his official retirement to work on special projects with the district. Former superintendent Michael Egan was appointed by the board to serve as interim principal.

Pursuant to state regulations, Egan’s appointment must first be approved by the Commissioner of Education.

“We are fortunate that Mr. Egan has agreed to step in on an interim basis,” Lynch said. Egan served as assistant principal and principal at GRB for 13 years. Later, he served as assistant superintendent and superintendent for 15 years.

“Mike brings a thorough understanding of the school district, the community, our students and the challenges they face,” Lynch said.

Contingent on the approval from the commissioner, Egan will begin his appointment immediately to work with Dumas to prepare for the transition. Soon after, Dumas will be reassigned.

“Mike will run the high school after Dennis leaves for the special assignment,” Lynch said. “We will post for the principal position immediately.”

Lynch said that applications will be accepted for approximately a month. Building and administrative reviews will be conducted in October. He said a decision is expected to be made in November or December.

“The board will make its appointment no later than December,” Lynch said.

Lynch said because there has been an assistant principal vacancy at the high school for several months, funding was available to bring Egan in for the temporary appointment, which is set to expire Jan. 31, 2009.

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