SEYMOUR – Throughout nearly 40 years, Seymour educator Mary Sue Feige has touched the lives and hearts of more than 20,000 Seymour students.
Feige, the former longtime principal of Bungay School and most recently the school district’s director of curriculum and instruction, retired July 31.
Closing the chapter on 37 years in Seymour, Feige was feted by the Seymour Board of Education at its monthly meeting Aug. 4.
“I consider myself deeply fortunate to have worked alongside such dedicated educators, families, students and of course, all of you,” Feige told the board.
With her trademark warm smile and nurturing demeanor, Feige singled out each board member and administrator, personally thanking them for making her time in Seymour a meaningful experience.
“Thank you for your time, your dedication and for helping to shape a district that puts children first,” Feige said. “I leave this role with tremendous pride and gratitude, and with confidence that Seymour Public Schools will continue to thrive because of your leadership.”
The board members and fellow administrators thanked Feige for making a difference in town.
“She is a natural educator, a thoughtful leader and someone who always led with integrity and heart,” said Bungay School Principal Lauren Reid. “Mary Sue helped grow so many educators, students and other administrators and I know I can count myself very lucky to be one of those people.”
Superintendent of Schools Susan Compton lauded Feige’s “dedication and commitment to children and academic excellence, in truly making a difference in all her 37 years in Seymour.”
Compton and the board presented Feige with a framed resolution citing her many accomplishments and accolades. It cites her contributions to professional development opportunities, mental health and well-being initiatives, expansion of literacy and intervention programs, and various awards from the Connecticut Association of Schools.
Feige, a 1977 graduate of Seymour High School who resides in Shelton with her husband Tom, returned to her alma mater in 1988 as a reading teacher at SHS. She later became a first-grade teacher at Bungay School, where she worked her way through the ranks as Bungay’s assistant principal and principal. A couple years back, Feige was promoted to her role as director of curriculum and instruction.
“Each role helped shape my passion for supporting students and teachers alike,” Feige said.
Feige’s longest tenure was leading Bungay School, a place she called her second home.
“Bungay was a place filled with heart,” Feige said. “I cherished morning greetings, classroom visits, spirit days and watching students grow and succeed.”
One of Feige’s former students is school board member Stephan Behuniak, whom Feige taught as a first-grader at Bungay. She recalled him being “one of the smartest and kindest students” she ever knew.
Behuniak, reached via text, said Feige is truly one-of-a-kind.
“Mrs. Feige was one of my absolute favorite teachers growing up,” Behuniak said. “She treated her students with an uncommon amount of respect and warmth. When I was an older student and got in trouble, they would actually send me back to her class to read or help out, but really, it was so she could talk to me and straighten me out. I appreciated her very much as a student, and just as much when I was lucky enough to serve the district with her over the past several years.”
Feige said she treasures her time teaching in Seymour.
“Once I began teaching here, it quickly became where I belonged,” Feige said. “Some of my favorite memories include student performances, literacy nights, snowy mornings hoping for a delay, and those proud moments watching former students walk across the graduation stage or even return as teachers themselves.”
Looking ahead to her golden years, Feige said she’s excited to spend more time with her family. She and her husband have two grown children, Tommy and Melissa, along with “a growing group of adorable grandchildren who keep life joyful and full of laughter.”
“I also hope to travel, read all the books I’ve been collecting and maybe even explore a second chapter that keeps me connected to education in some way,” Feige said. “Education is a calling, and I’ve been lucky to answer it in a community like Seymour. I leave with a full heart and deep appreciation for all the students, staff and families who made this journey so special.”
Compton said the district hasn’t yet posted the job to fill Feige’s position but expects to hire someone later this fall. The job pays an annual salary of about $175,000.