The school superintendent at the center of the Blind Brook elementary school controversy has resigned.

The Board of Education accepted Dr. Patrick Brimstein's request to resign effective Oct. 5, 2021 for personal reasons. Dr. Colin Byrne has been named interim superintendent through Oct. 26. The board made the announcement this morning but refused to comment further on the issue.

The school board placed Brimstein on a paid leave of absence about two weeks ago. Byrne has been the acting superintendent.

Brimstein oversaw the district, which includes the Ridge Street Elementary School that had to be closed for weeks due to safety reasons. The state Education Department shut down the school on Sept. 15 after an inspection found serious fire and safety hazards. Most students shifted to remote learning for 12 days. Enough classrooms were deemed safe enough for students to return to school yesterday.

The building issues stem from an ongoing construction project dating back to 2019. The board announced Tuesday night that it's already over budget with about $5 million more needed - which will require community approval.

The school board says its priority is completing the construction in order to fully open up the school - hopefully by Thanksgiving.