By Laura Lane
Passionately thorough in her duties as an assistant superintendent, Freifelder has also been connected to local schools on a personal level. She raised three daughters in Bellmore until moving recently to Wantagh.
Over the years, the Merrick district has undergone many technological changes, in large part owing to Freifelder's efforts. For nine years before becoming assistant superintendent, she was the district's technology coordinator.
"I've helped committee members to bring the district to the forefront with technology," said Freifelder, who pointed out that the district has incorporated national technology standards into the instructional program. "I also made sure children in third through sixth grade had a laptop [in school], as well as every staff member. It was unusual four years ago for elementary schools to have laptops."
But Freifelder did more than ensure that there were plenty of computers. She guaranteed they were used efficiently by helping teachers integrate computers into instruction, and made sure each building had a computer teacher.
When residents wondered about Merrick's business practices after the Roslyn School District scandal, Freifelder fielded the questions. "I'm open to criticism and open to suggestions. People are very critical of business offices, and I think they need to come down and look at what goes on in a business office," said Freifelder, who added that she could account for every penny Merrick has spent during her tenure.
"The first thing I did when I came into this office was to segregate the duties," she explained. "When Roslyn had their problems, I went and did the segregating of duties again. I looked at the backup people who take over for those who impact on the money and looked closely at the auditors. Not everyone has access to the money in Merrick."
Saving money was also a big concern for Freifelder. "I collaborated with other school districts in investments on purchases to give us greater buying power," she said. "By collaborating with elementary and high schools for transportation and insurance, we saved money."
Freifelder believes she has grown personally and matured professionally in working with the Board of Education, retired Superintendent Dr. Ronald Smith, current Superintendent Dr. Ranier Melucci and the community. "I started as a teacher in the South Bronx in a portable classroom," she recalled. "I never thought I'd be in a position like this today."
Comments about this story? LLane@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
