Martin County - Wednesday February 22, 2023: Martin County Schools Superintendent John Millay submitted his resignation to the school board Tuesday evening.
It came as a surprise to board members who praised his performance, although at least two of them said there were issues they wanted to discuss privately with him.
“This letter serves as my official notification that I plan to resign my position as Superintendent of the Martin County Schools as of June 30th 2023," said Millay in submitting his resignation letter. He gave no reason for resigning after less than 3 years on the job, except to say that he thinks it’s “a good time” to leave.
His announcement came as a shock to Board Member Cristia Roberts. “I was completely caught off guard, quit frankly I was floored. I believe that the work you have done in 28 months has been tremendous.”
“Personally, I would hate to see you go. I think we’ve had a good relationship and I was looking forward to a long-term friendship and you being here and retiring from here," said Board Member Michael DiTerlizzi.
“I was completely caught off guard as well," said Board Member Marsha Powers, "and thank you very much for all that you have done. I know that it has not been an easy three, almost three years.”
However Board Members Amy Pritchett and Jennifer Russell alluded to an issue with Millay that they wanted to discuss privately with him.
“Dr. Millay I had no idea. But whatever I’d like to say, I’d like to say to you privately," said Pritchett . "I don’t think its necessary for the public to hear my thoughts. I’m sorry to see you leave and I appreciate all that you’ve done for the District and we will have a conversation."
Russell said the principals she met with all have spoken so highly of you. What a difference you’ve made since you came here, and so to think that’s going to be gone, I’m not OK with that." But she added, "I would like to have a conversation with you as well.”
Board Member Roberts suggested the Board make an effort to keep Millay on saying - “Quit frankly, I am not interested in accepting your letter of resignation. I think that what we should be doing is, as a board, we should be negotiating a multi-year contract that goes further.”
However, the board did not vote to accept, or reject, Millay’s resignation at their Tuesday night meeting.