PLAINFIELD — The Plainfield and Cornish school districts have parted ways with Superintendent Kyle Riley, who served for less than a year.
The two neighboring districts reached “a mutual agreement for Mr. Riley to step down from his position as superintendent in order to pursue opportunities” elsewhere, Jenny Ramsey, chairwoman of the Plainfield School Board said in a written statement. His last day was March 27.
Beth Bierwirth, the longtime finance administrator for Plainfield’s SAU 32, will serve as interim superintendent through the end of the school year, Ramsey said.
“She brings a strong record of leadership, deep knowledge of district operations, and an ongoing commitment to supporting students, staff, and the broader community,” Ramsey said.
The Cornish and Plainfield school boards have begun a search for an interim superintendent for next year. The two districts each operate small schools and are exploring partnerships, particularly for their middle school grades.
They shared the cost of Riley’s compensation of $142,000 a year, plus benefits, Ramsey said, with Cornish paying 45% and Plainfield, which is slightly larger, paying 55%.
“We work collaboratively in our decision-making, including matters related to Mr. Riley’s departure and the hiring of all shared positions,” Ramsey said.
Riley started work last July on a one-year contract, replacing Sydney Leggett, who had served the two districts since 2022 before taking a job in Connecticut.
Efforts to reach Riley were unsuccessful.
A Facebook page for a Kyle Riley who identifies himself as the superintendent of schools for Plainfield and Cornish, also refers to him as a resident of Fall River, Mass., and features numerous posts tagged in Fall River, where his wife is a member of the school board.
Fall River is a drive of around three hours from the Upper Valley.
