It's time for schools to open

Monroe-The beginning of the new school year is fast approaching. Teachers will report on Wednesday, Sept. 1, followed the next day by more than 7,300 Monroe Woodbury students. "We are looking forward to the opening of the school year, and a good and productive fall school semester," said Interim Superintendent Frank Moscati. ‘Welcome Back' letters were sent to each student's household from the principals of their schools. The letters provided information that parents and students needed to know prior to the first day of school, including reporting times and dress codes. "There are no uniforms. Modesty is the dress code, but each building has specific information," said Moscati. Calendars for the 2004/2005 school year should be arriving in student households early next week, and will eventually be posted online at http://mw.k.12.ny.us/ The calendars will include information on open house meetings, progress reports, report cards and holidays. In addition to the normal rustle and bustle of a new school year, the Monroe-Woodbury School District is also tackling the job of searching for a new superintendent to replace the recently retired Terrence Olivo, and an assistant superintendent of instruction to replace Dr. Lou Ciota, who also recently retired. Claire Perez, Board of Education President for the Monroe Woodbury School District, is heading that search. "No one matched what we needed for the district in the first search. We are looking at a new batch of candidates in the second round," Perez said. "But we don't feel rushed. We are very pleased to have someone with his (Frank Moscati's) experience to serve in the interim superintendent position," she added. John Canzoneri is the interim assistant superintendent, working with curriculum and personnel. "He is also highly regarded. He served as superintendent with Greenwood Lakes for 15 years," said Perez. Due to the extensive interviewing process for the new superintendents, Frank Moscati and John Canzoneri are expected to serve in these positions until at least mid December or early January. "If the second round (of interviewing) is not successful, there is nothing to preclude them from serving the entire school year," Perez said. The Board of Education is seeking to ensure minimal disruption during the school year. "The greatest testimony is that the transition is invisible to most people," Perez said.