The Port Townsend School District is seeing an exodus of top staff at the end of the school year.

The Port Townsend School Board signed off on multiple resignations at its last meeting, as well as approval for staff leave and transfers among district staff for the upcoming school year.

Several letters of resignation were reviewed, including one from Theresa Campbell, principal at Blue Heron Middle School.

“It has been a privilege and honor to serve the students, families, and staff of the Port Townsend School District and community,” Campbell said in her resignation letter.

After three years in the principal role, Campbell will be taking a position with the Everett School District next school year.

“I am excited to start a new chapter in my life,” she said in her letter.

Patrick Gaffney — dean of students, athletic director, and head football coach at Port Townsend High School — has also resigned.

“This year has opened my eyes to many important factors affecting my life,” Gaffney said in his resignation letter. “It is time for me to pay attention to those important matters.”

He also thanked his colleagues and expressed his gratitude.

Katy Gaffney, confidential secretary to the superintendent and board of directors, submitted her resignation letter, as well.

“The decision to pursue another opportunity was not an easy one, but it is the right one for my family and me,” Gaffney wrote.

She, too, expressed her deep gratitude for her colleagues, and closed her letter stating she will carry out her responsibilities until the end of her time with the district.

“I think at the end of the year, it’s always bittersweet to see all the staff activity … a lot of movement, retirements to celebrate, a lot of changes,” School Board Director Nathanael O’Hara said during the board meeting.

“Every year that happens. But just to see a lot of the names that we’ve been able to interact with and hear from throughout our time on the board, it’s always bittersweet to see some of the names that are moving on or retiring or changing within the district,” O’Hara added.

Board members gave their congratulations and best wishes to the departing staff.