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Neil Lederer tapped
Lindenhurst High School Principal Neal Lederer was tapped for the position of Superintendent by the school board last month. Lederer, who has worked in the district for 19 years, replaces Margaret McKenna who steps down as of June 30, 2002. "I am thrilled and glad that it is here because I have spent so many years here and never wanted to leave," said Lederer in discussing his new appointment. Lederer began his educational career in Lindenhurst in 1973, working first as a teacher and chairman of the science department in the Junior High School then as principal of both the Junior and Senior High School. He left the district in 1993 to take a position at Harborfields, spending eight years there. He returned to Lindenhurst in 1994 and has served since then as high school principal. "I never really wanted to leave Lindenhurst in the first place," said Lederer. "But they were tough years with a tax pack board and I did not feel at the time that the administrators in the district were being treated fairly. When I had the opportunity to come back, I did and this is a wonderful opportunity for me not only to be able to stay in Lindenhurst but also to finish my career as an administrator which was my career goal." Lederer is a product of the New York City school system and a graduate of Long Island University and New York University where he received a master’s degree in educational administration. He has completed some work toward a doctoral degree at NYU. Right now, Lederer is finishing up his job as principal and working closely with McKenna to assure a smooth transition of administrations in the district. He says he believes his years in the district will be helpful as he seeks to implement his own ideas and programs. "Even though I was out of the district for eight years, I remained close to many of the people and we contacted each other regularly," he said. "I believe I have a feel and an understanding of the the district." "I think Neal is a good choice," said McKenna is discussing the board’s decision to appoint him. "He is open, receptive to suggestions and extremely dedicated. He has a strong work ethic and is always available to students, parents and the community." One of Lederer’s goals is to enhance on the inclusion program for special education students. "These kids will be required to take the regents exams and I believe that the the best chance of success they have is for us to be able to prepare them in that environment," he said. In addition, he wants to work on the Academic Intervention Services the district provides for students between grades four and eight. Some of the earliest results show that the success many students show in the fourth grade assessment tests does not carry over into the eighth grade tests. "We are beginning to see that those fourth grade tests may not be the best predictor of future success for our students," said Lederer, adding that this is a situation that is occurring not only in Lindenhurst but also throughout the country. "So we have to look at other avenues of finding out what kids need and what services we can provide them with to ensure their success." He also wants to help the district increase the number of students going on to four-year colleges and, in line with that, to enhance the college level courses offered in the district. "That’s quite a full plate but I am looking forward to giving it a shot," he said. Married, Lederer and his wife have four children, three boys and a girl. He is active in Little League baseball and has been an athletic coach.
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