After 18 years as the director of guidance at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, Michael McCarthy is retiring. He has worked in the district for 23 years.

Members of the guidance department attended the school committee meeting Monday night where Mr. McCarthy’s retirement was announced.

John Fiorito, a guidance counselor who was hired by Mr. McCarthy, called him a mentor.

“Almost everything that goes on in this building Mike has a hand in... we have been blessed, truly as his colleagues,” he said. “Generally, it’s a monumental loss for the high school, clearly the teachers and us as a staff, but most importantly the kids and the community . . . . Not to be all corny, but it really has always been about the kids for Mike, what’s best for the kids.”

Committee member Kris O’Brien shared a personal anecdote about meeting Mr. McCarthy, describing him as unrattled, knowledgeable and an intent listener.

“What was and still is remarkable to me about Mike, is his unwavering attention to the students,” she said.

Principal Sara Dingledy said Mr. McCarthy has been an invaluable member of staff in the one year she’s known him.

“One of the best legacies he has is a really capable and steady counselling department as a whole,” she said.

Mr. McCarthy will retire at the end of the school year, June 30.

In other business Monday, the high school committee voted to submit a statement of interest to the Massachusetts State Building Authority for the third year in a row. Through the MSBA, schools can receive funding to rebuild or renovate their facilities.

Vineyard schools superintendent Dr. Matthew D’Andrea said the application has been updated to include new budget and maintenance work that has been done since the last application, but beyond that is generally the same. “We’re hoping to make it further down into the program than last year,” he said.