Superintendent Announces Retirement





Superintendent Dr. Stephen Leitman formally announced at the October 18th Garden City Board of Education meeting that he will be retiring on July 31st. His voice often choking with emotion, Dr. Leitman said he feels fortunate to end his 40-year career in education in the Garden City School District. Dr. Leitman, 63, who has spent nine years as district superintendent, said he looks forward to spending more time with his wife.

School Board President Kenneth Monaghan said the board knew of Leitman’s plans. “We have been thrilled to have him as long as we have,” Monaghan said. He noted that the board will be talking with recruiters soon to find possible candidates to fill Leitman’s position.

“We look forward to working with you again this last year and wish you and Gale the best,” Dr. Nancy Fredericks said. Board member Colleen Foley acknowledged that there have been highs and lows, but added that Leitman will be the model to look to for the future. Board members Laurence Quinn and Barbara Trapasso offered their congratulations and said he will be missed.

Board members, administrative staff and audience members gave Leitman a standing ovation. “What are we going to do?” asked a woman in the audience.

In other news, Dr. Leitman said the high school was evacuated on October 8th. He commended the staff and administration for conducting an orderly evacuation. Students were well-behaved as they sat in the bleachers on the football field until the local police and fire departments secured the building. Leitman said he could not comment any further since the investigation is ongoing. He said the district, which was working on making the building more secure before this incident occurred, will have fully implemented new procedures within the next six weeks.

A mother asked the board what the district’s policy is concerning parental notification after a school bus accident. Last week parents were not notified after a bus carrying student athletes to a game was involved in a minor traffic accident. In the event of a bus accident, the bus driver dispatcher contacts the transportation department who, in turn, notifies the school. School officials contact parents. During last week’s incident nobody was in the transportation office so the school was not notified until the next morning. John Powell, assistant superintendent for business and finance, acknowledged that procedures have been changed to avoid the problem in the future. The dispatcher will now call the school directly if no response is received at the transportation department.

A mother of one of the students on the bus asked why the coaches did not contact parents. Dr. Leitman said he has discussed the incident with the assistant to the athletic director and said new procedures will be implemented.

Dr. Leitman presented awards to school board members in recognition of School Board Recognition Month. He said members voluntarily dedicate a great amount of time to the district. “Garden City is blessed by the members they have on the school board,” Leitman said. “Their focus has always been on students.” He said they are a model that should be shown to other school districts.

Mort Yuter asked what the district was doing about the flu vaccine shortage. “We may have a tough winter in regard to that and we’re concerned,” Leitman said. Students will be instructed on ways to avoid illness, such as covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands thoroughly.




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