Lederer, Diviney Lauded For Their Contributions

School board president John Diviney and interim superintendent Neil Lederer both will leave their posts at the end of June, and at Tuesday's school board meeting, both received hearty applause and a standing ovation.

Diviney, who has served 10 years on the board, decided not to seek re-election in this year's trustee race. In an interview in April, he said, "I feel that after a certain period of time it's appropriate to move on and have new people."

Board vice president Jonathan Kornreich said Diviney has come to be known for "always fighting for the right things."

"I can tell you that what he's contributed is absolutely going to be irreplaceable. ... [He] has been such an asset to the board," Kornreich said.

Diviney said he knows the district will prosper.

"I’m very confident you’re in very good hands," Diviney said.

Lederer said the past two years have been rewarding for him.

"When I first came...I got a standing ovation, and I think my comment was 'I hope that they're still applauding when I leave the district,'" Lederer said. "I appreciate the recognition tonight. ... I'm glad I had the opportunity the come back to a community I lived in."

Lederer will likely stay on in a less formal capacity to guide the district in its transition to leadership under incoming superintendent Cheryl Pedisich. The Board of Education recently adopted a resolution authorizing the district to pay him $800 per day, for a maximum of 30 days, to assist the district during its transition to the leadership under a new superintendent. The most Lederer will receive is $24,000, if he were to work the full 30 days.