Dear Bridgehampton School Families, Staff, and Community,

I am writing to inform you that I will be retiring from my position as Superintendent of Schools, effective June 30, 2026. It has been both a personal and professional honor to serve the Bridgehampton School District, and I am deeply grateful for the trust, collaboration, and support of our students, families, staff, and the broader community over the past five years.

Together, we have accomplished extraordinary work on behalf of our students, guided by a shared commitment to academic excellence, equity, opportunity, and fiscal responsibility. During this time, we successfully returned the District to good academic standing in all areas. Student performance and overall academic achievement have improved significantly as a result of intentional, data-driven instructional practices and a sustained focus on high-quality teaching and learning. 

We have expanded and strengthened academic programming across the District in a number of meaningful ways. All curricula were fully aligned to Next Generation State Standards, and a new literacy program, grounded in the Science of Reading, was implemented to ensure strong foundational skills for our youngest learners. We introduced new secondary science and K–12 world language programs, and implemented the College Board Capstone program, providing students with rigorous opportunities to build research, writing, and critical thinking skills. In addition, we more than doubled our Advanced Placement (AP) offerings, expanding to 14 AP courses, in addition to significantly increasing access to college-level learning and dual enrollment opportunities. 

Career and Technical Education (CTE) emerged as another major area of growth. The Agriculture CTE program was enhanced and expanded to include aquaculture, reflecting both regional relevance and emerging career pathways. We also implemented a new CTE program in Multimedia Design, a new robotics program, expanded vocational training opportunities within the District and through community partnerships, and ensured that students had access to authentic, hands-on learning experiences aligned with workforce and postsecondary readiness.

In addition, we implemented the Future Scholars program in partnership with Stony Brook University, launched an annual college tour for 11th and 12th grade students, and implemented real-time classroom translation technology to better support English language learners and ensure equitable access to instruction.

We also expanded and strengthened competitive athletics opportunities for our students, including the successful implementation of a Boys Varsity Soccer program. I am especially pleased to share that the team has already been recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) as a Scholar-Athlete Team, exemplifying our District’s commitment to excellence, both in the classroom and on the field.

Many of these advancements were supported by the successful acquisition of highly competitive grants. The District was awarded $2.25 million over five years through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, enabling the implementation of robust, engaging after-school and summer enrichment programs for students and families. In addition, we secured a $300,000 Learning Technology Grant to integrate technology and literacy at the elementary level, further strengthening instruction in the foundational grades.

Throughout this period of growth and innovation, the District also enhanced safety and security systems, strengthened emergency preparedness, and maintained a steadfast focus on the safety and well-being of students and staff. 
At the same time, we exercised careful fiscal stewardship by consistently developing budgets that were within the tax levy cap and incorporated operational efficiencies, while responsibly managing personnel and investing in programs and infrastructure that support long-term success.

None of these accomplishments were achieved alone. They are the result of the dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts of our administrators, teachers, and staff; the partnership and engagement of our families; the enthusiasm, resilience, and perseverance of our students; and the support of our Board of Education governance team. 

As I look ahead to the next chapter, I do so with deep gratitude, pride, and confidence in the future of the Bridgehampton School District. Thank you for the privilege of serving this remarkable community. I will always remember my time here with tremendous fondness for the students and families; the Hive will always hold a special place in my heart. 
Yours truly, 

Mary T. Kelly, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools