GREENE – Before the beginning of next school year, the Greene Central School District will bid fairwell to the administrator who has lead the district for the past four years.

“I certainly wish the best for the Greene School community and I hope I’ve been a positive influence during my time here,” said Superintendent Gary Smith, who will be retiring on August 31.

Smith informed the board in March of his intention to retire.

“My priorities have changed,” he said, explaining his decision. Smith and his wife, who were married in 2007, plan to relocate to the Syracuse area after his retirement. He will spend more time with his family, he said, watching his youngest daughter’s play collegiate soccer and visiting his two-year-old grandchild outside of Toronto.

Under Smith’s leadership, Greene has excelled, but the man is modest about his contributions.

“It was a solid district when I got here, and I hope I’m leaving it as strong if not stronger than I found it,” Smith said, referring to continued strength of the district’s academic programs.