Longtime educator Ric Stark retires from Hewlett-Woodmere, leaving a legacy of inspiration and commitment

When Ric Stark first began teaching, he realized he couldn’t do it for the money.

While the Oceanside native is quick to note teachers do, in fact, make a good living in the Five Towns, for the retiring Hewlett-Woodmere educator, the motivation to teach must come from someplace more noble than the zeros in the checkbook. His retirement is effective on June 30.

“I had teachers that had a positive impact on me, and I wanted to have that same impact on other students,” Stark said. “If you’re teaching for the money, you’ll be very unhappy.”

That attitude was one that was enforced by his original appointment letter, written by Bert Nelson on June 29, 1990: “I hope you find teaching in Hewlett to be both a satisfying and rewarding experience.”

Stark’s career has been one filled with both satisfaction and rewards, both for himself and for his students. He happily remarks that many of his students have gone on to have distinguished careers as doctors and nuclear propulsion scientists, and he still finds great joy in teaching different generations of students through the years.

“I’ve actually taught children of former students,” Stark said. “I remember their parents, and you subconsciously compare the children to their parents. It’s good to know that the parents saw such value in the community that they decided to stay and come back.”

Now, after a nearly four-decade career at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools where he taught chemistry and physics, Stark is finally taking a well-deserved retirement.

But don’t expect the Stony Brook graduate to go quietly: Though Stark will step down  on June 30, he  will continue with his term on the New York State United Teachers Board of Directors until 2026.

And whoever does ultimately replace Stark as the faculty association leader, will have a much easier time in the role than he had.

“My successor will have a chance to be president for a few years before they have to re-do a contract in 2028,” he said about the existing collective bargaining agreement his union helped secure. Stark has served the past 14 years as HWFA president.

While some faculty association members may have a rancorous relationship with other school board members, Stark is lauded by his colleagues for having a warm professional relationship with all whom he encounters.

“Mr. Stark has led with integrity, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for both educators and students,” said Debra Sheinin, the Hewlett-Woodmere education board president. “His commitment to the betterment of our schools has been unwavering, and his leadership will be remembered for years to come.”

Once he finally fully retires from Hewlett-Woodmere, Stark says he will go on to teach at a yeshiva, though he wouldn’t specify which one quite yet.

“I can say with certainty that not only should Mr. Stark have found satisfaction and reward in his role, but he has elevated the educational experience for everyone he encountered,” Sheinin said. “The impact of his legacy will resonate within our halls and the hearts of those who had the privilege of learning from him.”