Jessica Wilson, principal of Chichester Central School, will leave at the end of the school year. Wilson has served as principal for the past six years.

She submitted her resignation on Friday.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed coming to work, rolling up my sleeves alongside my incredibly dedicated peers, and supporting students with their academic and behavioral needs,” Wilson wrote in a letter to the school community. “I've had the privilege of making lasting, heart-warming connections with community members, fellow administrators, board members, and staff. I truly value the opportunity to know every student and their families, to be involved in all of the classrooms, and to celebrate the long-standing traditions and offerings of CCS.”

She plans to shift careers and open an outdoor learning program at her property in Northwood as part of the TimberNook program.

Superintendent Jack Finley said he wishes her well and appreciates the time and dedication she brought to the school community.

Next steps for the district include posting the principal position, convening a search committee and hosting interviews. The application will be open until the start of May, with the board hopefully hiring someone later that month, Finley said.

“We’re looking for our next school district leader who will help us implement our new strategic plan that we’ll hopefully be approving by June and who will support the community, students and staff,” Finley said.

Wilson will fulfill her principal duties for the rest of the year before moving on to her next steps.

“I genuinely wish CCS and the community of Chichester nothing but success in the future, and I am committed to supporting and helping with a smooth transition to a new administration. Thank you for the opportunity to serve your community. It has truly been an honor,” she wrote in her community letter.

Rachel Wachman can be reached at rwachman@cmonitor.com