Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Freeport Board of Education shared with the Herald on March 20 that Alice Kane, interim superintendent of Freeport Public Schools, will be retiring from the position. Kane will continue to work with the district through April 1.
School Board President Sunday F. Coward detailed in a letter expressed the Board of Education's gratitude for Kane being willing to leave retirement, which she did in 2023. Kane previously served as the assistant superintendent for Educational and Administrative Services. She rejoined the district in late April 2025 after Superintendent Fia Davis was placed on administrative leave on April 21. The district would later announce in February 2026 that the Freeport School Board was suing Davis for more than $400,000 in reimbursements.
The district has cited incidents of Davis misappropriating funds for projects, such as costly renovations to her superintendent’s office and signing contracts with vendors on behalf of the district that she had undisclosed affiliations, as just cause for the lawsuit. The district also alleges that Davis “misrepresented” her qualifications for the superintendent position during the hiring process.
"Dr. Kane stepped in with care, professionalism and a deep commitment to this district," Coward said in a Board of Education letter to the community. "We are thankful for the stability and progress she helped to provide. We fully support her decision to return to retirement and wish her nothing but the very best."
In her own letter to the district, Kane said that her decision to step away was "simply a return to retirement, as I had originally planned." She detailed that when she first agreed to take the interim superintendent position, it was her understanding that "my time would be brief."
"My deep love for this district and my respect for the current Board leadership led me to extend my service so I could help make a meaningful contribution during an important time," Kane said.
Kane concluded her letter stating that she was proud of the progress the district had made, and that "the district is in a stronger place than when I arrived." She expressed her confidence in Coward and School Board leadership and stated that she wishes the community health and happiness with the important work ahead.
Kane was reportedly paid $94,000 from May 1 through September of last year alone. Her wages from September to now after her four-month contract expired is not detailed in public records. Davis, meanwhile, was paid $252,914 in 2025, according to New York State public records, having been reassigned to an undisclosed position.
Coward wrote in her letter that the School Board has already begun considering the appointment of a new interim superintendent while they continue to address their lawsuit against Davis. A successful interim hire would mark the third Freeport superintendent within a year.
Coward also detailed that further information will be shared with the community during its next regular Board meeting on March 25 at the Caroline G. Atkinson School at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was moved to Freeport High School, with a larger than usual crowd of students, teachers and residents present.
Residents, parents and school staff have continued to demand further transparency and answers to the changes in school leadership and important district decisions. Some demonstrations and demands have come in the form of recent protests.
Members of the Freeport Teachers Association had a picketing demonstration before the meeting outside of Freeport High School to call further attention to what they deem as improper leadership by member's of the Freeport School Board.
During this meeting, Coward and other district administrators publicly voiced their appreciation for Kane as she prepared to re-enter retirement. Coward also mentioned that Kane agreed to take on the interim superintendent role only about five months after the passing of her husband. Coward acknowledged that the district was particularly grateful for Kane's willingness to serve Freeport Public Schools despite her grief.
District administrators did not mention specifics about its search for another interim superintendent, but Coward did tell the Herald after the meeting that an announcement regarding the selection of the replacement will be made close to Kane's last day, April 1. She reiterated that she anticipates no gaps in superintendent leadership.
