At its meeting on Tuesday, July 25, the board of education was scheduled to appoint Gerard W. Dempsey, Jr. as Interim Superintendent of Schools, effective August 1.

Dempsey will succeed David J. Helme, who has served as the district's superintendent for the last two years. The board will continue its search for a new, long-term superintendent.

Dempsey was superintendent of the Farmingdale schools for 11 years until his retirement in 2001. On July 20, the BOE invited residents and staff to the board room of the administrative building, to meet Dempsey and welcome him to Roslyn.

The appointment is only the latest saga in the superintendent search. At the June 22 meeting, it was expected that Dr. Martin Brooks, an educator in the Plainview District, would be announced as the next superintendent of the Roslyn District.

However, in a surprise move, Dr. Brooks' name was removed from consideration and the BOE was forced, once again, to hire an interim superintendent.

Dr. Brooks' withdrawal came on the heels of some controversy over possible compensation for the superintendent's post. The approved 2006-07 budget included a provision allowing for $100,000 in "extra expenses" for the superintendent's position. Rumors soon began circulating that the superintendent's total salary would reach as high as $400,000.

Stanley Stern, then-BOE president, acknowledged the $100,000 in extra expenses, adding that New York State Law mandates that school boards write in certain benefits to a superintendent's contract. However, he said all other compensation talk "is just a rumor."

While the BOE searches for a permanent superintendent, it will do so under new leadership.

At the July 6 meeting, Dani Kline was elected president of the BOE, succeeding Stanley Stern. Also at that meeting, Dr. Ron Smith was elected vice president. He succeeds Judith Wilner.