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P'edge Superintendent leaves, with sadness This year the Plainedge School District says goodbye to two key educators. Dr. John Richman, Superintendent of Schools, and Janet Romeo- Lambe, a teacher and advisor, have both retired. Richman has been in the district for eight years. Since becoming Superintendent, the Plainedge schools have seen many changes from increasing academic performance, to battling budget constraints, and then rebuilding programs lost during austerity. "I want to thank all of you for the opportunity to be here for the last eight years," Richman told the school board and public at his final board meeting on June 14th, "It's been an incredible journey." Richman was given a standing ovation at this last meeting from both community members and staff. Looking back on his time spent at Plainedge, Richman said, "We've kind of coined us as the little district that could." He went on to say the district is one of the lowest in terms of spending in the county but managed to perform high academically. It is this that makes Richman proud. "Seeing the kids be successful is my favorite part of the job," said Richman. Richman's decision to leave Plainedge for a position at Roslyn School District as a Superintendent was a difficult one he added. "I'm very sad to leave here because I can't think of a better group of students and staff to work with." His successor, Christine P'Simer, will continue the good work he has started, he said. He and P'Simer have been working together for the past year in anticipation of his departure. As a result, the transition should be seamless he said. On June 22 longtime Plainedge educator Janet Romeo-Lambe retired. She grew up in the district and has taught in Plainedge for the past 29 years. Since 1978, Romeo-Lambe has served as an Accounting teacher, the Internship Coordinator, a chaperone for countless school events and Plainedge's very first kickline advisor. Romeo- Lambe said the times she shared with the kickline early on in her career brought her even closer to the community. "That work bonded me with Plainedge," she said. "It was one of the greatest things I've done in my life." Romeo-Lambe said that it is the students that she will miss most. "Every year I say they are the best class I have ever had and I mean it," she said. "The kids are the greatest kids of all. I don't think I could teach anywhere else." Her resignation was a tearful one though, "I've been crying for two days," she said in a telephone interview. She explained she did not want to leave but due to her contract restrictions and personal reasons, it was time to go. "It was one of the toughest days of my life." As for the future, nothing is set in stone. "I have no long-term plans. I guess that is the beauty of retirement."
Both Romeo-Lambe and Richman left on the same note-thanking the community for the opportunity to work with their children. Romeo-Lambe summed it up saying, "Plainedge… it has been an honor."
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