The Farmingdale School District is pleased to announce the appointment of John Lorentz, former assistant superintendent for business, as the new superintendent of schools. Lorentz's appointment took place during a board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 8 and became effective immediately. He has worked in the Farmingdale School District for five years.

"Each one of the assistant superintendents was unquestionably qualified to fill the position, and each brought different areas of expertise to the job," stated Farmingdale School District Board of Education President Shari Bardash-Eivers. "However, as the district's business official, John Lorentz has gained an overall perspective of school operations and developed an organizational view of the district and its workings. He has had effective dealings with the board, fellow administrators, teachers, staff, community groups, and individuals. He is able to deliver both good and bad news, and is always searching for better and innovative ways to handle the district's challenges."

Lorentz has been an administrator for Long Island school districts since 1988. He has overseen and managed various programs and departments, developed budget plans, devised and promoted successful bond referendums and maintained school district relationships with the State Education Department. He has also served as president of the Suffolk County Association for Business Officials and is currently a member of the New York State Association for School Business Officials and the Nassau County Association for School Business Officials. Lorentz became certified as a school business administrator in 1991 and a school district administrator in 1993. He received his bachelor of science degree from New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury and his master of business administration and professional diploma in school district administration from Long Island University's C.W. Post College.

Over the past several years, Lorentz has been an active participant in a number of Farmingdale School District programs and activities. Among his greatest contributions are his involvement in the Facilities Advisory Committee, Leadership Cohort, annual Farmingdale Reads event and Farmingdale Community Summit. On his appointment as superintendent, Lorentz commented, "I am happy to take on a new role in the Farmingdale School District. I have always liked the fact that this district is so strongly connected to its community and is able to be a part of the Farmingdale Community Summit. I will continue to work closely with the board of education, administration and community in providing our students with an excellent education."