By Brian Zanzonico
Meierdiercks, who is in his 34th year with the district, was named interim superintendent last June 28, a month after Dr. John Williams abruptly resigned after just two years in the post.
The appointment was not without controversy, as several members of the community, as well as board members Robert Burke and Archie Cheng, voiced opposition to the board's decision to hire Meierdiercks without interviewing other candidates. Burke and Cheng cast dissenting votes last Tuesday on a resolution authorizing board President Jean Fichtl to negotiate with Meierdiercks to become Williams's permanent successor.
"New ideas could have been brought into the district," said Patrick Nicolosi, a member of the community who has run for the Elmont school board several times. "Fresh ideas, other opinions. Sometimes a person gets stale. Fresh ideas are not bad."
Fichtl defended the board's decision, saying Meierdiercks possesses the criteria needed "He has all the qualifications for a superintendent," Fichtl said. "He knows the district, and it's important to have someone with a financial background."
Meierdiercks began his career as a business teacher at Sewanhaka, and later served as business department chairman. He has worked in the central office for 25 years and as the business chief for 20 years. Raised in Elmont, he graduated from Alva T. Stanforth School - site of the new Elmont Library - and Sewanhaka High. He earned a bachelor's degree from Hofstra University, a master's degree in teaching from Adelphi University and a master's in education administration from Pace University.
Before becoming interim superintendent last year, Meierdiercks was the district assistant superintendent for business. Fichtl said that position has been filled on a part-time basis, and that the board will now turn its attention to hiring someone full-time.
"We want to improve the standard achievements and enhance their success and get students prepared for college and life after high school," Meierdiercks said of his goals.
Nicolosi said that despite calls for broadening the superintendent search, he has long admired Meierdiercks. It would have only been fair, he said, to see what other candidates were available. "Warren's been in the district a long time," Nicolosi said. "Who will oversee him? I don't want board members comfortable with the superintendent. I want them to keep [the superintendent] on their toes."
Comments about this story? FSeditor@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 240.
