Auten Road school principal sets retirement

Hal Blackstone, who plans to travel, work in his garden and substitute teach after he retires in July, has worked in the school district for 31 years.

By: Donna Lukiw
   Hal Blackstone, principal of Auten Road Intermediate School (ARIS), plans on traveling, gardening and maybe even substitute teaching after he retires in July.
   After working for the Hillsborough school district for 31 years, Mr. Blackstone said he will miss the people he’s worked with the most.
   "I have always said, people at work make the difference in whether you enjoy or dislike work," Mr. Blackstone said. "I have been blessed to work with outstanding professionals and just plain good people. I will miss the people."
   During the Feb. 26 Board of Education meeting, board members approved Mr. Blackstone’s retirement and congratulated him on his years of service.
   "Although I’m not surprised, I’m saddened," former board member Chris Pulsifer said during the meeting. "He has done a lot for the district."
   Mr. Blackstone began his career in Hillsborough as the vice principal of the middle school when Bob Gulick was principal.
   In July 1983, he was appointed the principal of Hillsborough School when it was a fifth and sixth grade school.
   In September 1987, it became a kindergarten to fifth grade school, which is what it is today. He served as principal of Hillsborough Elementary School until 1999.
   In September 1999, Mr. Blackstone opened the Auten Road Elementary School as a kindergarten to fifth grade school and in 2002 the district opened Auten Road Intermediate School for fifth and sixth graders.
   
   "He is a dedicated and hard-working individual, and everyone that worked with him knew that," ARIS teacher Amanda Nordstrom said. "He will be greatly missed and we all wish him the best as he retires. It was an excellent experience being able to work with such a distinguished man. "
   Before Hillsborough Mr. Blackstone taught sixth grade in Plainfield and also taught fourth grade in Elkton, Md.
   Mr. Blackstone said in retirement, he and his wife plan to enjoy travel, their gardens and theirhouse.
   "I may do some substitute teaching and interim work if it fits the new life schedule," Mr. Blackstone said.
   During Monday’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Karen Lake said the district will begin advertising the vacant principal position in the newspapers as well as in the district.