By Linda Delmonico-Prussen
A unifying force in the district since 1989, Smith believes that
when parents, teachers, administrators and board members work together and listen to one another's concerns, children stand the best chance of growing into positive, productive members of society. Smith said that, over the years, he has seen such cooperation in the Merrick district.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Smith, 61, moved to Queens at age 10, then later to Nassau County. One of the first in his family to finish college, Smith, the oldest of three boys, completed his undergraduate work at Queens College, then went on to receive both his master's and doctoral degrees from Hofstra University.
Smith's first experience in education was a learning one in the New
York City Public Schools. "I taught in Bushwick and Bedford Stuyvesant," he said. "You would think it should been difficult, but it was not." He quickly learned the importance of developing a structured educational environment. He also learned "the importance of parents and staff working together."
He said, "Everyone had an agreement to work together." That agreement translated into a commitment that parents, teachers and administrators had to listen to one another for the student's benefit.
Smith went on from teaching to become a school psychologist in the Levittown School District. In Levittown, he eventually became chief psychologist, special-education director and assistant to the superintendent.
As the Merrick superintendent, Smith has placed tremendous importance on employing highly-trained staff. The district brings in math and science consults, as well as consultants from Columbia University, Teacher's College in reading and writing to help educators hone their craft. He said, "Now we have some very highly-trained teachers," so highly trained that many Merrick District teachers run training courses for their colleagues.
Smtih has also enjoyed helping to develop Merrick's technology program. Some Merrick students have taken part in videoconferences at school for reports. The fifth- and sixth-grade classrooms have also received 12 to 15 wireless computers each, which the children use to gather information.
Smith said, "We try to integrate our technology into our instructional program." The district, he said, strives to teach computers within the normal course of the school program, instead of separately.
Those who have worked with Smith during his tenure in Merrick agree he will be missed. School board President Diane Seaman said, "I think he is an extremely responsive person," noting that he makes time to personally meet with parents with concerns. "He has always been accessible to the community," she said.
Moreover, she said, "He's sensitive and a good listener. You get his full attention and his time."
Levy-Lakeside principal John Kohnken echoed Seaman's sentiments, also noting that "Ron Smith is the kindest, caring, most-decent person. He helps you on bus duty if you need help. He is totally committed to the community and the job. This place is so lucky to have him as a superintendent."
Chatterton Elementary School PTA co-President Lauri Mento said, "Before he [Smith] did anything, he listened to what we had to say. He's always been very hands-on. I think the district is really going to miss him."
Birch School principal Rita Ratner said, "He really is a wonderful
instructional leader." She lauded his commitment to the reading and writing process as taught by Columbia University, Teacher's College as a "fabulous method for staff development, teachers and addressing New York State standards."
Regarding Smith's integration of technology into the curriculum, Ratner said, "He has very advanced thinking," adding that, "He always has the best interest of children at heart with every decision he makes. I know personally I'm going to miss him."
School Board trustee Martin Valk said he has seen Smith and his wife, Kathy, march in Memorial Day Parades with backpacks filled with bottled water. Jokingly, Valk once asked if Smith thought they would really get that thirsty. Smith told Valk the water was for the children who became thirsty. Valk said, "It's the way he demonstrates his care, and he truly does care."
Smith said he will miss being "part of an environment that strives to learn and grow. One of the strengths of our district has been
the willingness of everyone to share ideas." He credits a parent for coming up with the idea for school-assignment books or agendas for the children, as well as certain security measures.
Smith's wife, a social worker, recently retired. He said,
"There are some projects, still not defined, that we'd like to work on
together." While he did say the projects would involve education and mental heath, he couldn't elaborate on the subject.
Smith did, however, add with a grin: "I'll help her do the shopping."
