Following recent meetings with school administrators and board members, PTAs, teachers, students, and community members, Dr. John Richman has been selected, by the board of education, as the new superintendent for the Plainedge School District.

Richman, who in a recent meeting with community members stated that he had no intention of switching jobs in the next 10 years, has held many different positions in the education field in the last 30 years. He has been everything from a teacher to a principal to a superintendent. He has worked in schools with as few as 275 students and as many as 3,500 students. He has also worked as a regional associate for the New York State Department of Education. His most recent position was as the assistant superintendent for Rockville Centre, a position he has held since 1997.

The Rockville Centre School District has 3,400 students and is socio-economically similar to Plainedge. One of the main differences between the two districts is the level of achievement. While Plainedge has just over 60 percent of students receiving Regents Diplomas, Rockville Centre has 75 percent of their students reaching that goal, which is now mandated by the state. Rectifying this situation in Plainedge, Richman explained in the meeting with community members, will be one of his top priorities.

Another high priority on Richman's list is improving the school atmosphere. He expressed concern that in his meeting with the student leaders, many spoke of being dissatisfied with their school environment. He said they were interested in having events such as pep rallies brought to the district. Also of concern, in regard to the atmosphere of the district, is the lingering bitterness following the recent contract disputes. Richman addressed this issue and said that the people he had spoken with wanted to move on from that unfortunate time. He said that he wants to do everything he can to help the district with that process.

Richman recently stated that Plainedge is, "waiting for good things to happen." He said, at that time, that he could make those good things happen and now, with his selection as superintendent, he has the opportunity to prove it.