New principal announced for FLMS

BY ABBY LUBY

The new principal for Fox Lane Middle School was formally welcomed by the Bedford Central Board of Education at the Wednesday, March 31, board meeting. AnneMarie G. Berardi was unanimously voted to head up Fox Lane Middle School starting in July.

The position will begin with a three-year probationary period, beginning July 1 and ending June 30, 2007, at an annual salary of $132,000 for the 2004-05 school year.

"I am sincerely honored and humbled to stand before you tonight," said Ms. Berardi after the meeting. "I'm very excited about being part of this community and all of you have been wonderful from the very beginning of the hiring process."

Ms. Berardi described the process as an "intense journey, exciting and very interesting."

It showed her the importance of the role for principal in this school system. "It certainly shows the kind of the community this is and I will work 150 percent to take care of all of your kids," she said.

Board president Elm Sullivan and other members welcomed Ms. Berardi. "We are very enthusiastic about your joining us and hope you are here for many years to come," she said.

Ms. Sullivan said that the new superintendent, Debra Jackson, was also involved in getting to know the candidate for the principal position.

Superintendent Bruce Dennis reviewed how the search was conducted, beginning with an advertisement in a national weekly publication read by "school administrators, fol

lowed by outreach to college placement offices to attract the best person to be the principal. "We received close to 90 applications, interviewed 23 and finally identified three people who were really outstanding," said Dr. Dennis. "The committee of 18 people included parents and faculty from the middle school."

Ms. Sullivan addressed the number of staff positions that are still open. "We know that there has been some anxiety with respect to the number of retirements that have been announced," she said. "But we will be filling our numerous administrative vacancies."

Ms. Berardi is currently at Middle School 306 in the Bronx, where she has been the principal since July 2000. She received her bachelor's degree in 1985 from Dominican College of Blauvelt, a master's degree in 1989 in special education from Lehman College, and a master's degree in 1994 from the Principal's Institute - Bank Street College of Education. Ms. Berardi holds state certification in school administration and supervision, and permanent certification special education

"My only regret is that I won't be working with Ms. Berardi, but the middle school will be in wonderful hands," said Dr. Dennis, who retires from his position this year.