Dr. Roberta Gerold, recently appointed to the position of superintendent for the Farmingdale Schools as of July 1, said she has always kept her eye on the district.

"When I was an assistant superintendent in West Babylon, I knew Gerry [Superintendent of Farmingdale Schools Gerard Dempsey] as an assistant superintendent, and I was kind of always watching him, there's something special about him. And when he went to Farmingdale, I just kept paying attention to Farmingdale because Gerry was there. You sort of pick different people to watch."

According to Gerold, she has always admired the relationship Dempsey has been able to hold with the school district and community of Farmingdale, and hopes to continue and build on all the accomplishments he has made in his 11 years as superintendent. She added that she always got the impression that there was something special about the Farmingdale district.

"When anybody ever mentioned Farmingdale there was always a smile on their face, there's a warmth to it," Gerold said, adding that she has never had such an experience with another district.

Working as an assistant superintendent, district director, superintendent and holding other administrative positions in districts such as Levittown, West Babylon, Center Moriches and Miller Place, where she is currently the superintendent, Gerold said she has always had high hopes of becoming a superintendent, especially in Farmingdale.

"I guess in my heart I always thought it would be neat to come here," Gerold said. "It all seemed to come together, almost like kismet, it was just perfect."

As superintendent of the Farmingdale School District, Gerold hopes to uphold the tradition of bettering students' education and time in the schools.

"I'm a great believer in continuous improvement," Gerold said. "It's important to continue to improve because the world is moving so fast and there are many areas in which the world is changing."

When asked if she had a favorite aspect of her job, Gerold couldn't think of anything she didn't like. "I love it all, I think I was made to be superintendent," she said. "I love having a belief system that can be alive. I like all the interactions. I love watching people of all ages and all abilities taking risks and learning. There's really nothing I don't like."

Gerold said she is very happy about the way she has been treated in recent weeks as she has been taking a tour of the Farmingdale district.

"I feel welcomed," Gerold said. "I know that everyone is a bit apprehensive because I'm a new person and nobody really knows me and change is always a little scary. I just sense a little normal apprehension and I'm a little apprehensive too."

She added that she realizes the respect and admiration members of the community have had for Dempsey, and hopes to establish such relationships herself. Gerold said that while she has been touring the district, which started when she attended the recent groundbreaking ceremony at Woodward Parkway Elementary School, she sees how close everybody is and she's excited to be a part of those ties. She understands, however, that such a task will certainly take some time.

Despite mild feelings of apprehension, Gerold said she will be well accepted into her position. In addition, she looks forward to working with fellow members of the administration, board of education, faculty, staff, community members, and especially students.

"I don't sense any barriers at all," she said. "I feel very, very welcomed."

Gerold said she was very excited the first time she drove down Main Street in Farmingdale, that all the little shops and retailers give the village a very authentic and charming appeal.

"It's a real, good old fashioned town," Gerold said, adding that she recently visited and had dinner at Annabelle's Restaurant on Main Street.

As a member of the community, Gerold said she hopes she can establish a bond with residents and their children who are students in the schools.

"I just hope that we have a [positive] relationship that lasts," Gerold concluded. "I can't wait to be a part of the community."