When the Board of Education came together to announce the results of next year’s budget vote, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Geoffrey Gordon had an entirely different message on his agenda. On the evening of May 15, Dr. Gordon announced that after ten years in the school district, he plans to retire from his position as superintendent of schools on July 31.
“I chose this time to announce it because I wanted to ensure the attention of the community was on the budget and bond vote, and the best interests of the community were kept in focus rather than any individual attention on me,” said Dr. Gordon.
The following day he elaborated on his decision to retire in a letter addressed to the students, staff, and community of Port Washington. His letter detailed some of the major changes and events within the past ten years in the district, and his hopes for the future of Port Washington schools.
In the letter, Dr. Gordon made mention of this year’s successful budget and roof bonds, in which nearly three quarters of all votes were in favor of both of the plans. He also referred to some of the district’s largest financial endeavors, including the construction of the turf, the Slade Center for the Arts, and the new track. He acknowledged that the school district has reached many of the goals that he had set for academics, athletics, the arts, and volunteerism for his time as superintendent.
“The goals I set for soaring student achievement and unifying our community when I arrived ten years ago have been accomplished,” said Dr. Gordon. “When I left AT&T 15 years ago, it was to dedicate myself to public service and through teaching and administration, help set a positive course for education and students who are the future of a stronger USA.”
Dr. Gordon has no definitive plans for next year, as of yet. He is looking into options in education both at the K-12 and university levels, in school districts in five states. Dr. Gordon is also considering the possibility of going back into business. But, for now, Dr. Gordon plans to stay on board in the Port Washington Union Free School District to ensure that the move to a new superintendent goes smoothly.
“For now, I will help the Port Washington district in the transition,” said Dr. Gordon. “I did that in my last district.”
Before coming to Port, Dr. Gordon worked as the Superintendent of Schools and, before that, high school principal, in New Providence, NJ. Before working in New Providence, Dr. Gordon served as Vice Principal, social studies teacher, and athletic coach in several districts.
“Dr. Gordon is a man who has given us ten good years of leadership,” said Board of Education member Mr. Robert Ryan. “He has given us the benefit of his business background, his education background, and his great sense of humor. He will be missed.”