Springs School’s District Clerk Leaving for East Hampton

After 13 years, Springs School District Clerk Julie Bistrian is taking her services next door, to the East Hampton School District.

“She will leave very, very, very big shoes to fill here at Springs. She’s been a phenomenal district clerk,” said Board of Education President Barbara Dayton during a meeting on Tuesday night, June 13, where Bistrian was recognized before her resignation was formally accepted. “I don’t know what we would do without her. She’s the most organized, thoughtful person possible. We’re going to be lost.”

Dayton said Bistrian will be with the district through the reorganization meeting on July 11, and will help her replacement get acclimated to the job.

“Everything that you do for us is so appreciated, so thank you very, very much,” Dayton said.

School Superintendent Debra Winter said besides being the district clerk, Bistrian was also in charge of payroll and was the district’s purchasing agent, buying everything that was needed for the district’s $23 million capital project for expansions and health and safety upgrades, which was completed in the fall of 2021.

“For me, she was invaluable coming into Springs School and helping me learn the ropes,” Winter said. “She has extensive knowledge on how civil service works, and although not my assistant, I often bounced ideas off her. She is smart and dedicated.”

Resident Brittany Ballington also attested to the district clerk being a huge asset, highlighting Bistrian’s support and guidance when she started to attend board meetings more frequently this year.

“Julie really helped me navigate everything,” Ballington said. “As a parent in the district, I really appreciated it. She helped me figure out how I have my voice heard and meet all of these wonderful people.”

She also thanked Bistrian for her years of service.

“You’ve done a wonderful job here,” Ballington said. “I’m very sad to lose you, especially to a school so close by.”

Tim Frazier was also honored Tuesday night for his 12 years of service to the district. Frazier, who is retiring from his post this month, served as Board of Education vice president for eight of those 12 years.

“It’s really quite something considering he’s been a volunteer for all that time,” Dayton said. “He’s led meetings for me when I’m not around. He’ll speak up at meetings when I don’t speak up soon enough. He’s always had my back. He’s been an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Frazier was previously a principal in the Southampton School District, and is currently the executive director of the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center.

“Tim Frazier has dedicated himself to public education,” Winter said. “It was a privilege to work with him. He was so supportive of me over the years.”

Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association Executive Director Bob Vecchio, who was in attendance for Frazier’s final meeting June 13, presented him with the organization’s Outstanding School Board Service Award.

The association represents over 107 school boards, bestowing a handful of honors to trustees across Long Island each year. Vecchio said a committee selects an even smaller number of nominees to receive some of its more noteworthy accolades.

“Obviously, education is very near and dear to Tim,” Vecchio said. “It struck us, as far as the additional work you’ve done in the community, like with the food pantry to help out those in need, and that you’re continuing to work in early childhood education. It was these qualities, and some of the other things pointed out to our committee that stood out for Tim to be one of our recipients of the Outstanding School Board Service Award.”

Frazier said an even more special moment for him was being able to approve a resolution for the hiring of a former Southampton student of his, Casey Lockard, who was appointed to a special education teaching position Tuesday night.

“That’s part of being in education for so long,” Frazier said.

Vecchio congratulated Frazier and thanked him for not only what he has done for area students and their communities, but for public education at large.

“We know how important it is to be a leader on a governance team for the most important asset that any community has, and that’s their children,” Vecchio said. “Never take for granted the impact board members can have on schools and students.”