By VICTORIA A. CARUSO
Dr. Estelle Kamler has guided the North Merrick School District since 1992. As superintendent, she has proven herself a positive force for change, and she will be sorely missed when she retires at the end of this school year, her colleagues say.
After nine years as North Merrick's chief and 30 years as an educator, Kamler announced last week that she is retiring from education. The decision was not easy. She deliberated over it for a year, she said.
"This has been a difficult decision, but one which I
feel is right for me," said Kamler in a prepared statement. "These last nine years have been challenging as well as rewarding. It is time for me to move on - maybe to linger to smell the flowers, to explore new vistas, or to challenge myself in different ways."
The superintendent, however, will likely keep her hand in education. "I will most likely remain involved in education," Kamler said. "I am still every passionate about education, but I am looking forward to a little more relaxed position." She also said retirement will give her the chance to spend more time with family and friends.
Before North Merrick, Dr. Kamler served as an assistant superintendent in the Long Beach School District, teacher and director of curriculum in Setauket's Three Village Central School District, principal in the North Babylon School District and assistant to the superintendent in North Bellmore. She also worked as an adjunct professor at Hofstra University and as a guest lecturer and speaker at several Long Island high schools and universities.
As North Merrick superintendent, she developed a three-year plan for instructional improvement; instituted and chaired several citizen/staff committees; and developed and started a self-evaluation process for teachers and administrators, among other accomplishments.
"She has always been ahead of the game when it comes to
the standards," said Dr. Matthew Kuschner, president of the North Merrick Board of Education. "She saw the writing on the wall years ago and started implementing programs."
Marianne Greisoffe, principal of the Old Mill Road Elementary School for the past 18 years, agreed. "With Estelle, the district has been ahead of its time in so many ways," she said. "She has engaged and chaired committees that have allowed us to get ahead. She formed a curriculum committee that developed a kindergarten through sixth grade language-arts program that correlated with the then up-and-coming state standards and assessments."
As superintendent, Kamler began a technology program that included computers in daily instruction. "Technology was very limited when she first came to the district," said Arthur Solnick, principal of the Camp Avenue School. "We had minimal technology in the classrooms. It was used for word processing only, and the computer lab did not have a network. Now, we have an intricate computer technology program where every classroom has
Internet access."
Bert Honigman, principal of the Harold D. Fayette School and father of North Merrick students, agreed. "We went from a district that was relatively backwards when it came to technology to a district that is now at the forefront," he said. "We currently have an integrated technology program that supports research in all subject areas, staff development and students with special needs."
Nancy Dies, district clerk for the past 15 years, said that Kamler leaves staff members with a feeling of accomplishment "She goes the extra mile and has her staff do the same," said Dies. "She is sincere and understanding. I am going to miss her.
Choosing her most memorable moment or biggest accomplishment as superintendent is not easy, Dr. Kamler said. "There have been so many wonderful moments," she said. "Every curriculum area has been revived. There have been a lot of rewards and the satisfaction of getting the job done."
Dr. Kamler says she plans to forge ahead for the next six months. "I pledge that the committees will continue to flourish,
tenure appointments will be placed on the agenda, negotiations will be scheduled, the 2001-2002 budget will be developed, and our technology plan will be fully implemented. There will time for good-byes, but for now, it is time to ensure that the transitional process will be smooth and reassuring for all. Please know that I will do all in my power to make it so."
She added, "North Merrick is a very strong district. I have full faith the next superintendent that the board hires will continue the growth, development and quality of the district."
Already, the school board has begun interviewing for a consultant who would aid in the search for a new superintendent. "We have a time line of about six months," said Kuschner. "Our
ideal goal is to have our new superintendent come in by mid-June and assume responsibilities July 1."
John Pinto, a life-long North Merrick resident and board of education trustee since 1998, said that finding Kamler's successor will be difficult. "I have a deep admiration for her and the work she has done," said Pinto. "She is a gem, a true diamond in the ruff."
Honigman said, "Estelle Kamler is one of the most dedicated, hard-working and supportive educators and administrators that I have had the pleasure of working with in my 32 years of education. I want to thank her personally for transforming the North Merrick Schools into a outstanding environment that challenges all children to do their very best."
Carol Hunter, co-president of the Camp Avenue Parent-Teachers Association, said, "Estelle Kamler has been an asset to this
district and is respected by parents, teachers and administrators. In my nine years in this district, I've witnessed great changes that she is responsible for.
"Dr. Kamler came to this district when we were on austerity, and she literally picked us up and placed us back on track. She seemed to have a dream and a mission that she wanted to fulfill and waited until her work was complete to retire. Her dedication is beyond her call of duty."
