A message from the new Lawrence superintendent

After a year of transition, I am so proud and excited to now serve the children, parents, and community of District 15 as the new superintendent of the Lawrence Public Schools.

More than 50 years ago, as a little boy I drove with my family from our summer bungalow in Far Rockaway to the Five Towns, to go bowling at Falcaros on Rockaway Boulevard, or to eat at Shores on West Broadway.

As a Brooklyn boy, I was in awe driving through this beautiful neighborhood, past what is now the majestic Lawrence Middle School. Years later, my wife and I moved to Woodmere with our three children and I learned about the great history and culture of the Five Towns, as well as the ongoing sense of family and pride shared by the diverse groups in our community.

I often reflect on those who years ago, built our great schools, as well as those on our current board of education who have enabled the Lawrence legacy to continue on its positive path into the future. Each in their own time has demonstrated the wisdom and fortitude required to take decisive action that has ensured a thriving educational system.

Now, schools across the nation face fiscal challenges not seen since the Great Depression. Fortunately, the recent consolidation of our schools has put us in a unique position to weather this storm. With funds from the sale of Number One School that provided $17 million for capital improvements to our schools, our facilities have been totally upgraded at no additional expense to the taxpayer. Over the last five years, with a significant reduction in operating expenses and the tax relief achieved through this consolidation we have the lowest tax increases on Long Island. All achieved while maintaining programs, Lawrence serves as a model for fiscal responsibility.

Most important, we possess a focus on education and programs that address the challenge of our highest achievers, as well as those who are struggling academically. The recent addition of a Debating Class, Virtual Business Class, Online Credit Recovery Course, and a variety of additional clubs reflect programs that serve learners having a wide range of age and ability levels. We are keenly aware of the challenges facing the youth of today. We will stay focused on anti-bullying, and drug and alcohol prevention, as we maintain a zero tolerance policy for those students who attempt to bring the influences of the street into our schools.

Lawrence always had a reputation for being the trend setter in education. As we roll-out our new website with new capabilities for on-line community and school based discussion groups, I look forward to sharing our comprehensive district educational plan. Using on-line forums as well as a series of traditional town hall meetings beginning in September, the school community will have numerous opportunities to provide input and have questions addressed by district administration.

The Lawrence Schools, the heart of a cultural mosaic, will serve as a catalyst and provide the means for uniting our public and private schools, houses of worship, government agencies, and civic organizations, so that we harness the talents and resources of our great community to serve our mutual goal — providing the best education for every child.