By:Rebecca Shalomoff
Less than a month after Lawrence Public Schools superintendent Dr. Paul Kelleher announced that he was stepping down from the post at the end of the summer, the school board has found a successor. Choosing to fill his seat from within the district, the board appointed Dr. Mark Rosenbaum, who has served as assistant supervisor for curriculum and instruction for the last nine years.
The school board was expected to make it official at its June 12 meeting, which was after deadline for this article.
Rosenbaum was one of two applicants from within the district who sought to become the next superintendent after Kelleher surprised the school board during the May 15 school board election and budget vote with his announcement that he would leave the district in late August for personal and professional reasons. (District officials did not release the name of the other applicant).
Kelleher is retiring from public education after accepting a job at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, where he will be a professor of educational leadership and chairman of the Department of Education.
The school board appointed Kelleher, who served only three years on a five-year contract, in March 1998. Board members spent thousands of dollars in headhunter fees to find Kelleher after an exhaustive year-long nationwide search for a replacement for Dr. Stewart Weinberg.
Finding a new superintendent to replace Kelleher, on the other hand, took only 23 days and cost much less. Board members expressed confidence in Rosenbaum's administrative abilities and knowledge of the district. They feel his familiarity with the Lawrence Public Schools and its community will enable him to jump right into the position, without needing the typical one-year adjustment period. Rosenbaum was given a three-year contract, which will
take effect July 1.
"We feel that Dr. Rosenbaum is more than qualified to lead us as superintendent and give us what we need to improve student achievement," said Frank Argento, school board president.
One of the biggest challenges facing the new district chief is enabling students to reach higher state standards. In 2001, only 73 percent of fourth-grade students in District 15 met or exceeded state standards on the English/Language Arts exam, dropping from last year's 80 percent. About half the eighth-graders met state standards on their recent English and math tests given by the state.
"The test scores are a complex issue. It's something that we all have to work to improve," Argento said. "But we provide so many programs and resources to help students succeed. In order to judge a system, you first have to see what's going on in the system."
And Rosenbaum is no stranger to the Lawrence academic architecture. For the past nine years, he has been responsible for all aspects of curriculum and instruction, including restructuring the gifted program and revising testing and assessment programs. He has been involved in budget development, contract negotiations and personnel administration for the certified staff.
"I'm confident in the district to move forward," Rosenbaum said. "I see three critical areas. The first is to raise student achievement for all students. Another is that I want to work on continuing to bring the community together, both public and non-public. The third primary agenda item would be to control costs in the district."
In addition, Rosenbaum will have to lead the district in moving forward with the building renovation plan. The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process, which held up a proposed bond plan to rehabilitate the schools this year, will be completed in August, Kelleher said. By September, the district will be able to consider a bond referendum.
"I think Dr. Rosenbaum is well-qualified for the position," Kelleher said. "I think he will bring experience, intelligence and stability to the position."
Prior to coming to Lawrence, Rosenbaum, 54, was director of curriculum at Port Washington schools. He also served as director of the Nassau Resource and Computer Training Center of Mineola Public Schools, an elementary school principal for Bay Shore Public Schools, and an assistant administrator and special education teacher at Nassau BOCES. Rosenbaum earned a bachelor's degree in music from Wilkes University, a master's in special education and a doctorate in educational administration from Hofstra University.
Rosenbaum and his family live in Smithtown, which is in western Suffolk, and his children attend the Commack Public Schools. He said he has done the commute from his home to Lawrence for nine years, so he's used to it. Kelleher cited the tiresome effects of his daily commute from his home in Westchester County as one of several factors in his decision to retire.
"I think it's fabulous that [Rosenbaum] was appointed," said Corinne Berke, co-president of Central Council PTA. "I think it's time for the board to show some support for people who are working for the district. I've worked with Dr. Rosenbaum for years. He's a bright man and has good ideas. I'm looking forward to him putting his ideas and methods into effect."
"I think it's a wonderful thing for the school district to choose Dr. Rosenbaum," said Dr. Kenneth Forman, principal of Number Two School. "Lawrence has had many superintendents from the outside. It's a very wise move by the board to bring that sense of continuity and stability to the district."
Dr. Steven Kussin, Lawrence High School principal for seven years, said he's worked very closely with Rosenbaum, both personally and professionally. "I'm looking forward to working with him in the future. I think it will be an excellent relationship."
School board member Chickie Granet said," I've worked with [Rosenbaum] for years. We wanted to hire someone that knows the district and would be able to jump right in. I'm so happy the board is giving him a chance to shine."
