Principal Retiring After Four Decades in District

Lately, "every day is an emotional roller coaster" for principal Connie DiMedio, who's retiring this summer after 12 years in her job and 39 years altogether in the Lower Merion School District.

"I get very teary when the children say something to me about leaving Cynwyd," DiMedio told Patch in an email interview. "I love everything about the school, so it is difficult to leave something you love and a place you call your second home."

Before taking Cynwyd's top job, DiMedio also worked at Gladwyne Elementary School and Harriton High School.  

"I was given a wonderful opportunity to work in an exceptional school district 39 years ago and have accomplished all of the professional goals that I established for myself several times throughout this amazing journey," DiMedio said. "I am now ready to pursue various opportunities and interests."

DiMedio decided in February to retire; her Feb. 16 letter to students, parents and staff is attached to this article.

She won't miss how hard it can be to detach from work when not at school, or how email maintenance "can be a full time job" in itself. But DiMedio thinks much more about the perks.

"There are so many memories that I will carry in my heart," the principal said. "I always love when former students contact me and remember something I said or did to impact their lives."

Chris McGinley, the superintendent of , said DiMedio and principal Margery Andersen, who is also retiring, are both "dedicated, successful administrators" who will be missed. Applications to replace them are being taken through March, interviews will take place in April and hopefully a new principal will be hired in May.

DiMedio hopes to pursue other professional interests, but in her retirement from education, she said, "i am going to enjoy time with my family, read all the books that are piled on my desk, garden, take cooking classes, and enjoy going to sporting events."