Schools

Vernon Board of Education Accepts Rockville High School Principal's Resignation

Eric Baim said, "Some good things have happened here in the past few years."

Eric Baim said on Monday he has had a good run at Rockville High School.

But he also said - and he was steadfast in maintaining it should be looked at in a positive light - it was "time to move on."

Baim's resignation as the principal of Rockville High School became official on Monday when the Board of Education voted to accept his letter "with regret and gratitude." There was no discussion and the vote was unanimous.

About seven hours earlier, Baim, in a brief phone interview, said he has "professional" options he is working on, and that he is excited about. He added, "It's also time to be closer to my family."

Baim said he was not at liberty to discuss the career options. He is 38.

The past few months have been a roller coaster ride for Baim. In July, he was charged with driving under the influence and running a stop light in Berlin. At the same time, the school has had success both in the classroom and out.

When asked what he has called "a mistake" is behind him, Baim said it was.

He received a 10-day suspension after the incident. When asked again, he was emphatic in saying, "Yes. It's behind me."

He did receive an outpouring of support from students after the DUI incident.

Academically, the RHS creative writers have accumulated 95 awards to put the school tops in the state. Last year, Class of 2012 member Jenny Mears, the salutatorian, was named a national finalist in the Wendy's High School Heisman competition.

The Rockville High School softball team won a state title.

In 2008, the hockey team, then in a co-op with Manchester, won a state championship.

"Some good things have happened here in the past few years," Baim said.

Mears on Monday said she had exchanged e-mails with Baim after his resignation letter became public. Mears, never one to fake it, said she wanted to make sure Baim knew, "how much he taught me."  

Baim was not at Monday's school board meeting. He is officially stepping down at the end of the academic year. He admitted what he says might change as he gets closer to what will be his last graduation address at RHS, but this week, he said he can hold his head high.

"But it's time for a new challenge," he said.


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