Turnover at Hewlett-Woodmere

As Hewlett High School Principal Thomas Russo walked the hallways, he high-fived students and smiled from ear to ear, hiding the personal struggle he’s been dealing with for the past seven years.

Russo, who has spent the last decade in the Hewlett-Woodmere school district, decided to retire to spend more time with his wife, whose health is declining. “It was a very tough decision,” he said. “I had this fear that if I wait too long, it’ll be too late.”

As Russo fought back tears, he explained how much the district has meant to him. “This place is dear to me,” he said. “Many students have told me that students in other schools don’t know who their principal is, and I wanted to make sure that students know me and feel comfortable talking with me. It makes them feel comfortable and secure in the building, and it creates a good feeling.”

Offering electives such as art, music and business classes enabled Russo to provide students with more educational opportunities. “I never wanted to make school just the core subjects,” he said. “I wanted to offer electives they love, and it makes part of the school day that much more enjoyable. This school has something for everyone.”

When Russo was hired as a science chairman at the high school 10 years ago, his goal was to become a principal. “I have felt respected, cared for and loved by the community,” he said. “I’ll miss the kids. They keep you young, challenge you, and I’ll miss the opportunity to have the ability to help someone every day.”

As the district begins its search for Russo’s replacement — his retirement is effective August 31 — he said he hopes that whoever succeeds him retains the electives intact, as well as Operation Success, an after-school program in which students receive extra help, and the Twilight Program, in which students who lack required credits take night classes to catch up.

“We have a lot of different types of students, from musicians to athletes and business people, and it’s important to offer those kids different avenues,” he said. “Also, making sure that teachers feel important, because they’re the success of the school, and making sure decisions are made based upon what is right for the students. If all of that happens, you wouldn’t know I was gone.”