by Laura Lane
Art Solnick, 62, had his brother's words in mind as other factors came into play that led him to ultimately un-retire.
"When I put my retirement papers in [recently], I knew deep down that I wasn't ready to retire yet," said Solnick. "But it was the overwhelming response that I received from the community that I count as the teachers, parents, kids and staff that made me change my mind."
Solnick said his trepidation regarding the decision to retire increased as several parents and children stopped by his office to ask him not to. Making matters worse were well-wishers who congratulated him on his decision.
"When they came by to congratulate me, I felt sad," said Solnick. "People gave me gifts, and they were planning all kinds of things to honor my retirement. I just felt worse and worse."
Last week the North Merrick Board of Education voted to accept Solnick's request to stay on as the Camp Avenue principal.
David Feller, the North Merrick School District superintendent, said he sensed from the beginning that Solnick had mixed feelings about his decision to retire. He believes Camp Avenue Elementary School has acquired its reputation of being a "kind, caring and helpful school" owing to the relationships that Solnick has fostered among students, teachers and parents.
Feller added that he and the Board of Education are happy that Solnick has chosen to "continue his important work at Camp Avenue."
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