By ALEX COSTELLO
The second phase of the district's heating project is set to begin. Last year, the boilers and heating system were replaced in the Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School. This year, the system in the Lincoln Orens Middle School is scheduled to be replaced.
Dr. Edward Price, who until last week was the district's superintendent, explained that the project would be completed over the summer, because the district does not allow contractors in the building with students. "We did it last summer," Price said. "They were working Labor Day weekend, but we got it done."
In addition to the heating system, the district will also be focusing on its general maintenance and upkeep. "You can really only handle one big thing at a time," Price said.
But Price will not be around to see the completion of the projects, because he has retired. He said he is simply moving on. "I mean, certainly you miss people you worked with, but it’s Dr. [Rosemary] Bovino’s time," he said. "I’m happy for her. This is something that I wanted to happen."
Bovino, the current deputy superintendent, moved up to superintendent when Price departed. And as far as Price is concerned, there couldn't be a better person for the job. "She’s the finest educator I’ve ever worked with," he said. "Island Park is lucky to have her."
Bovino could not be reached for comment.
Gloria Maffetone, the principal of the Hegarty school, is also leaving the district. "Right now, I really feel very sad," Maffetone said. "The children have been very sad that I’m leaving, and they keep telling me that they don’t want me to leave.
"And I would never think they’d say to a principal, 'You can’t go,'" she added. "It surprises me."
Maffetone said that the thing she would miss most is the children, whom she called the "light of my life."
"I enjoy being with the kids," she said. "Especially when they found out I was retiring. Many of them said I was too young to retire. I mean, how can I possibly not accept that?"
Jacob Russum, the district's English as a Second Language teacher, will replace Maffetone. "I’m excited to be here," Russum said. "We have great teachers and great staff and wonderful parents."
Russum acknowledged that he would miss teaching, but said he was looking forward to being more involved with schoolwide policy. "The great thing about this job is that you’re involved in a lot of different things," he said. "And I think that the most important thing in any position of leadership is to be in touch with the people. And that’s what I’m here for. I’m here to serve the people of Island Park and to serve the
children."
Comments about this story? ACostello@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 207.
