Pine Bush begins search for new superintendent

By Kerry Butrick Dowling
Posted 1/12/22

The Pine Bush Central School District Board of Education began the Tuesday, January 4, Board Meeting by paying respects to beloved Superintendent of Schools Tim O. Mains who passed away unexpectedly …

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Pine Bush begins search for new superintendent

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The Pine Bush Central School District Board of Education began the Tuesday, January 4, Board Meeting by paying respects to beloved Superintendent of Schools Tim O. Mains who passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 30, 2021.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Michael Pacella will act as Interim Superintendent of Schools until a new leader is selected.

“As you know our Pine Bush Family has lost a great leader, great human being and very close friend to many of us. We are especially feeling it hard at Central Office as that was his home away from home and only time will heal us,” said Pacella. Pacella shared that Central Office will not be the same without Mains.

“Many of Tim’s colleagues and even former students near and far as well as the Governor of New York have posted countless quotes, memories, and offerings of sympathy. If you’ve read the articles, not only locally, but throughout the state, you know that Tim was more than our superintendent. There was one quote I read that truly sums up this very brilliant and gentle man. He was a giant among giants,” an emotional Pacella shared.

Board of Education President Gretchen Meier also expressed her sentiments regarding her time working with Mains. She remembered fondly that they always had the same goals and worked together to do the right thing for students, families and the community. “For this experience I will be forever grateful. It is from this respect and true friendship that I will draw the strength necessary to continue to work hard to fulfill his plan and true dream of an education plan that will support every individual child to become the best person that they can be,” said Meier.

Meier shared that memorials for Mains are currently being organized such as a tribute video and parade which will be announced at a later date. “Ribbons have been placed on the existing tree by the district office. We’d like to invite the Pine Bush community and family to visit and place flowers or pin a note or message to the ribbons. We are planning to have a celebration parade for Mr. Mains with a date that will be announced,” shared Meier.

Meier also announced that Pacella will be retiring effective July 15, 2022. The retirement was planned prior to the loss of Mains, but makes the need for a new Superintendent that much more urgent.

During the meeting, the Board approved a resolution for the district to engage in the services of Orange-Ulster BOCES to provide assistance in the search for a Superintendent of Schools effective immediately. Additional information about the search for a new superintendent will be forthcoming.