By:LARRY MAIER
Senior high principal promoted assistant superintendent
Professionally and intellectually, the transition from principal to assistant superintendent won't be that difficult for Jeffrey Hollman. Emotionally, however, the move will not be an easy one.
This is the best place I have ever worked,Hollman said about Baldwin Senior High School, where he has served as principal since 1996. Last week, Hollman was promoted by the school district to assistant superintendent for instruction. He will take over for Dr. Peter Lynch, who is retiring after 35 years of service to the district at the end of this school year.
Hollman said he is looking forward to the new challenges that lie ahead, but he will also miss the place he is leaving behind.
I'm going to miss the students. I'm going to miss a building, which is a complex and unique thing,said Hollman, seated in his office and wearing his trademark bow tie. This place is vibrant.
In his new role as assistant superintendent, Hollman will be responsible for such duties as staff development, curriculum review and revision. He will oversee instructional programs for the entire district, from kindergarten through grade 12.
It's a tall order, but Hollman believes his experience as a high school principal, both in Baldwin and before in Plainedge, has prepared him well for the job. As a high school principal, I have always been concerned about what's going on in grades K through 8,Hollman said.
Hollman began his career in education as a middle-school and high-school English teacher. After a brief stint away from the field, he returned to teaching but was soon attracted to school administration, a place he felt he could make an even greater difference..
[Administration] was a platform where I felt I could have a larger impact,said Hollman, who admits to being somewhat surprised by his career path. Every one of the steps I've taken I never thought I'd do. But your view widens.
Hollman became an assistant principal in the Bellport School District in 1984 and was hired as principal at Plainedge High School in 1990.
During his five years at Baldwin Senior High School, Hollman has been instrumental in creating vertical teams
