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Terry Barton, principal of Bronxville High since 2006, announced his plans to retire at the end of the current school year in an email to parents, students and teachers on Feb. 11.
"Bronxville High School is a special place and I have enjoyed serving as principal for the past seven years," he wrote in the email. "The faculty, staff and community are top notch, and I am proud of the success and progress we have made together across many areas of our school. I want you to know that it has truly been an honor working with you and for you. The years I have spent in Bronxville and the memories that have been created here will be treasured for the rest of my life."
During his time in Bronxville, the Chicago native hired about 20 percent of the faculty and implemented new courses of study, including electives, on-line courses, and independent study.
"Over the past seven years there's been some very exciting things in our school, including new advanced placement courses, art history and historically significant electives," Barton said in an interview after his announcement. "Outside of that, we won a state football championship, which was very exciting. For such a small school there's really such a wide range of interests and programs such as our musicals. It really helps to build a sense of community, one that I had become part of."
Barton has also worked in Chicago, Michigan and Idaho, where David Quattrone, who is now superintendent of Bronxville schools, first hired him.
"I hired Terry many years ago, and when I moved on to Bronxville I just had to have him come with me," Quattrone said in an interview. "In the 12 years I've been working with him I've seen all his great qualities, including his humor, poise and perspective that has gone a long way. He gives great advice that makes everyone feel at ease. He also has a way with getting things done, but while holding a stern policy. The school is in excellent shape thanks to him."
The biggest challenge for the next principal will be to become familiar with the community, Barton said.
"Bronxville is a small community with highly educated residents and high expectations," Barton said. "Nevertheless, I will leave confident that the school is in great shape for the future. I have family in North Carolina, including several grandchildren, so that's going to be my biggest concern moving forward. I'm going to spend time with my wife, travel and just relax. After 44 years it's time for me to just enjoy life."
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