Herald Schools

Interim ERHS principal finds ‘great success’ during first week on the job

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Interim Principal Neil Lederer welcomed students and staff back to the East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School on Sept. 5, and said that the first week of classes was “a great success.”

Lederer was hired by the Board of Education on Aug. 8 to replace Joseph Spero, who accepted a job closer to his home in Westchester County. Lederer, a Melville resident, brought more than 50 years of experience with him to the district, and said he has had a very pleasant start to the school year.

“Students, faculty and staff were quite positive and enthused about the start of the new school year,” Lederer said. “Overall, the tone of the school has emphasized the importance of academic success and the need to avoid distractions to the effort.”

As part of avoiding distractions, Lederer said, rules have been established about students not using cell phones in school. He added that he also put an emphasis on students not being late to school or their classes.

Lederer graduated from Long Island University Brooklyn with a bachelor’s degree, and earned a master’s in educational administration and supervision from New York University. He has held many positions in several school districts on Long Island after starting his career as a science teacher in the Bronx.

District Superintendent Lisa Ruiz said last month that the board would search for Spero’s permanent replacement over the winter, and make a decision by the spring. She also expressed confidence in choosing Lederer to serve as interim principal, citing his wealth of experience.

Lederer said he and Assistant Principals James DeTommaso and TJ Terranova conducted assemblies with each grade level during the first week, where he introduced himself and established rules for the school year. “The first week of school has been a great success,” he said.