Leadership to change hands in Bellmore-Merrick Central District

It was announced at the May 2 Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District meeting that Richard Rozakis, the district’s assistant superintendent for instruction, is leaving his position, effective June 30, to become superintendent of the Babylon School District.

Succeeding Rozakis on July 1 will be Caryn Blum, who is now principal of Merrick Avenue Middle School. Blum, who has been at MAMS for more than a decade, is credited with raising standards at the school, earning it a Blue Ribbon from the U.S. Department of Education in 2008. Blue Ribbon schools have achieved excellence in meeting the department’s new learning standards. Blum is also credited with bringing a “middle school philosophy” to MAMS, focusing on the “whole child” –– not only on his or her academics, but also on physical and social development.