The Syosset Central School District said goodbye to a friendly and familiar face at the last Board of Education meeting, as Interim Superintendent Dr. Ronald Friedman got ready to hand over the reins to Dr. Thomas Rogers, who will take over as superintendent on July 1.
Student representatives from each of the district’s 10 schools presented Friedman with banners and poster boards thanking him for his service.
Several members of the Board recited an original poem they authored, which fondly recollected his time in the district. Other members of the Board spoke about Friedman’s dedication, breadth of knowledge and ability as a leader — all of which were clearly demonstrated during his time leading the district.
In a message to the Syosset Community titled “Putting a Day Inside A Bottle,” Friedman said, “It was over too soon . . . I didn’t want to leave. Finally, it would’ve gotten embarrassing; I mean, the staff would begin to say, “who’s that guy still wandering around?” and “shhhh….he’s the superintendent.” So I left, and while partially I know my reluctance to go reflected my shortening remaining tenure here in Syosset, I also know that, more so, it was just the thought that I wanted as much of today as I could garner, to squeeze into that two-liter bottle. I want it to have it to pour out, bit by bit, on those days in the future, days of challenge and cold and seemingly insurmountable hurdles, which will surely come (part of life), where a bit, maybe only an ounce or two of today, would, with certainty, be the cure. If only it could be true . . .”
Friedman was presented with a plaque to express the Board and district’s appreciation for everything he has done.
