After 14 years with Rochester Memorial School, Principal Jay Ryan announces his intention to retire and begin the next phase of his life as full-time artist.

In December, Ryan made his plans known to the school community that he will step down as Principal effective in October.

For Ryan, the move is bittersweet.

“I think I’ve reached that magic formula where age and years of service maximize and I’m ready for a few good years as an artist,” Ryan said. “I always thought what a great second career.”

“I feel so very grateful for the years I spent here,” Ryan said. “Rochester Memorial School is a special place that has kids in its heart every day. It has been a pleasure to work in that atmosphere. I’ll be 58 by the time I retire and that means for 52 years I’ve gone to school every year.”

Born and raised in Framingham, Ryan said he started his teaching career in his hometown after receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Art from Framingham State College and a Master’s degree in Education from Lesley College. While teaching in Framingham, Ryan also attended night classes at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design earning his certification as an art teacher and in graphic design.

Before coming to Rochester in 1998, Ryan spent 17 years teaching art in both Milford and Bellingham schools.

He made the switch to administration in Uxbridge where he served as Assistant Principal, Director of the Early Childhood Education Program and as Special Education Director at the Earle D. Taft Elementary School and at the Blanchard Early Childhood Center.

A Fairhaven resident, Ryan says he plans to stay on the south coast as his house is surrounded by water and has great sunlight – two great elements for a painter to work with. His paintings are mostly done using watercolors and oils and range from landscapes to figures and portraits.

In 1998, Ryan accepted the Principal position with Rochester Memorial School, and has loved every day since he said.

“What I leave with is how proud I am of the staff,” Ryan said. “Over the past 14 years I’ve hired 75 percent of the staff that is here now. We had a wonderful group in place when I came here and trying to maintain that school community is one of the hardest jobs as principal. I’m so proud to say we have invited kids, their parents and the community into a vibrant building and a great place to learn.”

Ryan was on-hand for the building of the new and improved Rochester Memorial School completed in the last year and a half in time for the start of the school year. The building process, Ryan said, is something he thinks every principal should go through at least once in their career.

“There were so many years prior to construction that we had to deal with overcrowding and make due with the space,” Ryan said.

Ryan worked with the building committee on the plans for the school, which he said was a much-needed gift to the students and the teachers.

“We have wonderful technology, new furnishings and generous spaces,” Ryan said. “The town has a building they can be proud of for many, many years.”

Nancy Sparklin, the Special Education secretary for the school, says Ryan’s calm and composure during the building process is just one of the many reasons his staff has so much respect for him.

“Last year was tough,” Sparklin said. “He got us through the building project with basically no help because he doesn’t have an assistant principal. Jay was dealing with all of the emergencies and the problems on a daily basis and he never lost his cool.”

Sparklin, who has worked with Ryan for the last 12 years, says she is happy for him yet sad to see him go.

“He’s done so much for this school community,” Sparklin said. “His positive outlook on everything creates a real team feeling with the staff. He develops respect because of his calm and thoughtful way of keeping the ball rolling.”

Superintendent Doug White released a letter to the Rochester School Committee addressed to Ryan thanking him for his years of service.

In the letter dated Dec. 16, White said, “I wish you all the best for the remainder of your stay as the Principal at Rochester Memorial School and hope you enjoy the next exciting phase in your life.”

White spoke with the School Committee during their Jan. 5 meeting about beginning the search for Ryan’s replacement.

This, Sparklin said, will be easier said than done.

“It’s going to be very difficult to fill his shoes,” she said.

Ryan offered some advice for the next Principal of Rochester Memorial School.

“Appreciate the camaraderie and the collegiality that exists here,” he said. “Whatever initiatives and vision the new person has, respect the capabilities and the vision this staff brings to what they do every day.”