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East Hampton board names aquatic center for John J. Ryan Sr., honors retiring staff and student board member
Summary
The board adopted a resolution dedicating the district's new aquatic center to John J. Ryan Sr., heard tributes to longtime employees including teacher Chris Tulle and district staffer Ken, and recognized student board member Stella Brea and Athletics Director Kathy Masterson.
The East Hampton Union Free School District board unanimously adopted a walk-on resolution on Tuesday dedicating the district’s new aquatic facility as the John J. Ryan Senior Aquatic Center, then spent part of its meeting honoring retirees and recognizing student leadership.
The dedication resolution states the voters authorized construction of the aquatic center in the district’s May vote and that the board finds it appropriate to name the facility in honor of John J. Ryan Sr. The resolution authorizes the superintendent to implement signage and recognition materials immediately upon adoption.
John J. Ryan Sr. accepted the recognition and gave remarks about his background in lifeguarding, family and the value of a community pool. "I am very proud to be an ocean lifeguard," he said, and described how the new aquatic center will contribute to community safety and student opportunity.
The board also honored several long-serving district employees. Sarah (speaker) introduced a tribute to retiring earth science teacher Chris Tulle, praising his decades of classroom work and describing him as both knowledgeable and deeply committed to students. A colleague said of Tulle, "Those who know him well know that his bark is worse than his bite." The board recognized Ken for roughly 50 years of service to the district in roles that included attendance, truancy and residency work, citing his bridge-building with families and long community ties.
Members also recognized Kathy Masterson for her leadership of the athletics program and noted she will remain on payroll next year to help with the transition to a new athletics leader. The board thanked student board member Stella Brea for her service; Stella said serving on the board gave her a welcome platform to speak for classmates and she expressed appreciation for the experience.
Why it matters: Naming a district facility is a permanent recognition and the dedication carries symbolic and community significance. The retirements mark the end of long careers in the district and the board’s actions underscore continuity in leadership and transition planning.
What’s next: The superintendent will execute the actions authorized by the dedication resolution; personnel transitions and the athletics leadership change were described as continuing through the coming year.
Provenance: Dedication language and remarks appear beginning at SEG 439 through SEG 526; retiree tributes and student remarks appear across SEG 154–204 and SEG 205–430.
