SAUGUS — At its meeting, the School Commitee bid farewell to Saugus Middle High School Principal Brendon Sullivan.

Sullivan, who has been with Saugus Public Schools for 23 years, is leaving his position for the role of assistant principal with Greater Lawrence Technical School.

School Committee Vice Chair Thomas Whittredge kicked off the meeting with words about Sullivan’s time in Saugus.

“He’s one of the best guys around,” Whittredge said of Sullivan. “He’s going to be missed. He’s very well liked by everybody, and he’s a really great guy.”

School Committee member Ryan Fisher shared similar sentiments, praising Sullivan’s leadership during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was “a lot of realignment in the school district.”

“There was a lot going on, and he was always a constant presence, very steady, always answered his phone,” Fisher said.

Superintendent Michael Hashem said that he has worked with Sullivan since he arrived at Saugus Public Schools. “I worked with him in a lot of capacities, very closely, in some,” Hashem said, saying that Sullivan served as vice principal while Hashem was principal at Saugus High School.

“I want to thank him for everything he has done for the Town of Saugus, and the Saugus Public Schools…I do want to thank him both professionally and personally,” Hashem said. “And wish him nothing but the best of luck.”

Towards the end of the meeting, Sullivan came up to the lectern to speak. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to just come up to the microphone one last time,” he said.

Sullivan praised the students in Saugus, saying that “we have the best,” and said that he has been fortunate to have been in the school system long enough to have former students that he taught working alongside of him.

“It’s just wonderful they love the school so much that they want to come back,” Sullivan said.

“I just want to thank everyone for 23 great years in Saugus. I worked with a lot of great staff, including many people in this room,” Sullivan said.