New Interim Superintendent Begins Year-Long Post

When Neil Lederer officially starts as interim superintendent of the Three Village Central School District Thursday, it will be something of a homecoming for him.

The former Port Jefferson Station resident has two sons who graduated from Ward Melville High School, one in 1989 and one in 1993.

"They thought very favorably about the district," said Lederer, who said he has admired the district for years. "I've always considered Three Village to be an elite school district. To be given the opportunity to be the educational leader of that district is very gratifying."

Lederer, who began his 44-year career in education as a biology and general science teacher, retired last June after serving seven years as superintendent in the Lindenhurst school district. He has an undergraduate degree in biology from Long Island University and a master's in administration from New York University.

Most recently he has filled in as principal in a West Hempstead elementary school. He accepted a one-year contract with Three Village while the Board of Education searches for a permanent superintendent.

"He has clearly demonstrated his ability to effectively work with people in a focused and productive manner...The Board of Education is very much looking forward to an active and productive year working with Neil in planning and improving the educational process during these tough economic times," trustee Diane Peritore said.

Lederer's first order of business in Three Village is to meet the staff and tour the facilities. Then he'll know where to start.

"It's very important to constantly look at your curriculum and instructional program and see how it can be further improved upon, expanded upon, so that it does provide for our students," Lederer said.