By Brian Zanzonico
The desk and chair went into the big room in the administrative offices at Washington Street School before any photos of Dolan's family, his framed college degrees and his miniature replica of Yankee Stadium that lights up.
"It's [desk and chair] there to remind me that I'm educator, and who I'm here to serve," Dolan said on his 99th day as Franklin Square superintendent.
Dolan, who was principal of H. Frank Carey High School from 1993 to 2000, has spent the better part of his first 100 days making himself a visible figure to students. He has walked from Washington Street School to Polk Street School, and Washington Street to Polk Street to John Street School, just to get familiar with the neighborhood and students in each classroom.
"The teachers were superb about giving me five minutes in class," he said.
When each student from one class wrote a letter to him welcoming to the district, he answered each one.
"I'm so happy when I can walk into a building and call a kid by name," Dolan said. "I never want to be an administrator who forgets."
The community certainly didn't forget him. When Lafferty announced he was going to retire last year, the consensus among the community was that Dolan, then principal of Cold Spring Harbor High School, should succeed Lafferty. He already had experience as superintendent of Manhasset School District - a position he left Carey to take - and school board trustees Audrey Hulsart - PTA president at Carey when Dolan was principal - and Jean Fichtl suggested Dolan. After screening potential candidates, Dolan was unanimously elected superintendent on April 25.
One of Dolan's goals for the year is to continue the district's budget workshops in early 2007. The school district was praised by residents last year for its open process and frequent meetings. Dolan said he has already reached out to senior citizens, who traditionally offer the most opposition to district spending plans, about giving groups presentations.
"The key is communication," Dolan said. "What's in the budget? What's the impact of the budget? How does it affect quality of life? I'd like them [seniors] to know all about their school district."
And about who it is all for - the people sitting in little chairs behind little desks, Dolan said.
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