LEWISTON — Lewiston School Assistant Superintendent Tom Jarvis is retiring this summer.

The announcement was made Monday night to the School Committee by Superintendent Bill Webster.

Jarvis, of Lewiston, has worked in education for 43 years, the past 17 years for Lewiston public schools. He’s retiring in August when he turns 65.

In a letter to Webster read aloud, Jarvis said he’s enjoyed working for Lewiston schools, and thanked the School Committee and school staff that he’s had the pleasure to work with over the years. He praised school staff for “the great work accomplished over the years for our students.”

Webster said Jarvis has been his right-hand man for six and a half years, and that his experience and knowledge of Lewiston has been invaluable.

“I couldn’t have done it without you. I thank you so much,” Webster said, looking at Jarvis.

School Committee members Tom Shannon and Linda Scott also praised Jarvis.

“Both Paul (St. Pierre) and myself have had the experience working with Mr. Jarvis,” especially as Jarvis represented Lewiston schools in labor negotiations.

“The good relationships that exist between our unions and our school board is because of the work that Tom Jarvis has put in over multiple superintendents to maintain a steady course, and to keep the ship right as we sail on sometimes contentious seas,” Shannon said.

“I want to express publicly this is a man who provided a great service for the city of Lewiston, and the children of Lewiston, for every day that he worked,” he said.

Jarvis said he began his career right out of college as a teacher in East Millinocket, where he grew up.

He worked as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in that community, then as superintendent in Lisbon-Durham schools before coming to Lewiston in 2000 as human resources director.

The best part of working in education is the opportunity to work with and help children, he said. The challenging part is not having the resources needed.

He’ll spend the summer at work, a busy time for administration hiring and ramping up for the next school year.

When he retires, he and his wife, Anne, plan to travel more, Jarvis said.

Tom Jarvis, Lewiston’s assistant superintendent of schools, center, is retiring, the Lewiston School Committee was told Monday night. Jarvis was asked to stand and receive thanks for his work, which was praised as a great service to Lewiston.

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