Thursday, October 1, 2026
The East Rockaway School District has appointed veteran educator Neil Lederer as interim principal of Rhame Avenue Elementary School, bringing a familiar and experienced leader back to the district during its search for a permanent principal.
Lederer is well known throughout the East Rockaway school community, having previously served as interim principal of both East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School and Centre Avenue Elementary School. District officials said his collaborative leadership style and longstanding commitment to students have earned him the respect of staff, families and the broader community.
With nearly five decades of experience in public education, Lederer has held leadership positions at every level of school administration. He began his administrative career in 1976 as assistant principal of Lindenhurst Junior High School before serving as principal of Lindenhurst Senior High School, Oldfield Middle School and Harborfields Senior High School. He later spent seven years as superintendent of the Lindenhurst Union Free School District before continuing his career in a variety of interim principal and superintendent roles throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Lederer holds a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from New York University and earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Long Island University.
As interim principal, Lederer will oversee all aspects of Rhame Avenue Elementary School while working closely with teachers, staff and district administrators to ensure a smooth transition. District officials said students and families can expect the school’s instructional programs, extracurricular activities and daily operations to continue without interruption as the search for a permanent principal moves forward.
Superintendent James DeTommaso praised Lederer’s leadership and said his previous service in East Rockaway made him a natural choice for the position.
“Neil has been an outstanding leader, trusted mentor and friend throughout my career,” DeTommaso said. “His experience, integrity and commitment to students make him the ideal person to lead Rhame Avenue during this transition. I am confident that he will once again answer the call to serve East Rockaway, and I know our students, staff and families will be in exceptional hands.”
District officials said they are confident Lederer’s extensive administrative background and familiarity with East Rockaway schools will help provide continuity for the Rhame Avenue community while the district conducts a comprehensive search for its next permanent principal.
Lederer succeeds Jack Bixhorn, who has led Rhame Avenue since Aug. of 2022 and whose resignation takes effect Aug. 27. District officials said the search for the school’s next permanent principal will continue while Lederer serves in the interim role.
Bixhorn’s 2022 appointment marked a return to Rhame Avenue, where he had previously worked as a classroom teacher, elementary math specialist and administrative intern before taking on leadership roles in other school districts.
During his time leading Rhame Avenue, Bixhorn emphasized building relationships among students, staff and families. Speaking with the Herald about his approach to the school, he pointed to the strength of the community and the importance of collaboration.
“The staff is caring, and the community is eager to partner with the school,” Bixhorn told the Herald. “I am excited to collaborate with all the stakeholders to foster a safe and caring school environment that promotes student success and well-being.”
Lederer will now be tasked with providing continuity as Rhame Avenue prepares to welcome students back for the 2026-27 school year. His previous experience leading two other East Rockaway schools gives him familiarity with the district’s students, staff and educational programs as officials begin the process of selecting Rhame Avenue’s next permanent leader.
