Jay Lewis Resigns

Jay Lewis, principal of Schreiber High School, has handed in his letter of resignation, effective Sept. 1. Lewis has accepted a new position at Hofstra University, where he will serve as assistant dean in the School of Education, Health and Human Services, according to his resignation letter.

Lewis spent six years as principal at Schreiber. Some of the highlights under his tenure include increasing college credit options for students, redesigning the alternative high school program to meet the changing needs of at-risk students, and expanding AP and elective courses.

Lewis "will be missed, and his contributions are much appreciated," noted Superintendent Dr. Geoffrey Gordon.

Parents, too, wished him the best in his new endeavor. "I'm sure I join others in wishing him well in his new job," said Beth Chalcraft-Boyle, a parent with two sons in the high school.

Thoughts now turn to replacing Lewis. Gordon, who is welcoming ideas from his staff, expects to develop a strategic plan July 15. "I will move swiftly and with confidence, and the new principal and existing staff will have my full support, guidance and mentoring," Gordon said.

"I hope that the district selects someone who is as supportive of students and is as believing in students' abilities as Mr. Lewis was," said Allison White, a parent with one son who graduated in June, and another entering Schreiber in the fall.

Schreiber is not the only school in the district that will have a new principal. In the fall Daly Elementary will also welcome its new principal, Drew Graves.