Richardson will leave the New Rochelle School District on Aug. 20 after announcing his intentions to join the New York City Department of Education. Osborne said that he will finish out the upcoming academic year before departing on June 30 next year.
Richardson was named the Administrator of the Year by the Empire State Supervisor and Administration’s Association last year for Region 2, which covers Westchester and Putnam counties.
Leslie Altschul, the chair of the English department at the high school, nominated Richardson for the award, describing him as “a compassionate educator, an extraordinary listener and a game changer for the very diverse New Rochelle High School.”
"His positive idealism has set the tone for the inclusive culture within which we nurture, through our collaborative efforts, every one of our constituents -- from the most talented to the most challenged," Altschul wrote. "Reggie is a risk-taker who always supports original thinking and encourages experimentation with any pedagogical strategy that may yield productive results."
An immediate search has been started for Richardson’s replacement. It is not clear if there will be an interim principal or a permanent replacement. School officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
On Facebook, New Rochelle City Councilman, a longtime supporter and friend of Richardson, posted simply, "Sad day in New Rochelle, NRHS Principal Richardson has resigned."
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