MATTAPOISETT — Rose Bowman, who has been the principal of both Center School and Old Hammondtown School since 2014, will retire from the role at the end of this school year.

Bowman started her teaching career in New Bedford in 1971.

She was first principal at Old Hammondtown starting in 1998, before taking responsibility for Center School in 2008 and combining the roles in 2014. She has been a part of the Mattapoisett school system for 35 years.

Michael Nelson, Superintendent of Schools for the Old Rochester Regional School District called Bowman an “extraordinary leader” and recognized that she “always worked to build a positive learning environment.

He also recognized the principal as a key role model for administrators in the district.

Bowman said that she was “so grateful to everyone who supported me.”

“I leave with mixed emotions, but am so thrilled to have been part of the district,” she said.

Nelson also acknowledged that Bowman is a “staple in the school community and will be missed.”

Mattapoisett School Committee chairperson Jim Muse kept the substance of his chairperson’s report to four words in light of the announcement.

“Thank you Rose Bowman,” he said, adding that she would hear the phrase many more times before June.