The East Rockaway School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Neil Lederer as Interim Principal of Rhame Avenue Elementary School.

Mr. Lederer is a familiar face in East Rockaway, having previously served as Interim Principal of both East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School and Centre Avenue Elementary School. He brings decades of educational leadership experience to the role and has earned the respect of students, staff, and families through his collaborative leadership and commitment to children.

Mr. Lederer has dedicated his career to supporting students and educators. He began his administrative journey in 1976 as Assistant Principal of Lindenhurst Junior High School, later advancing to principal roles at Lindenhurst Senior High School, Oldfield Middle School, and Harborfields Senior High School. He also served as an elementary school interim principal in the West Hempstead UFSD and served as Superintendent of Schools in the Lindenhurst UFSD for seven years before transitioning to various interim principal and superintendent positions throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from New York University and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Long Island University.

Mr. Lederer will assume all responsibilities of the principal and will work closely with the talented Rhame Avenue faculty, staff, and district leadership team to ensure a seamless transition. Families can expect that the outstanding instructional program, school activities, and daily operations will continue without interruption while the district conducts a comprehensive search for the school's next permanent principal.

Superintendent James DeTommaso shared his enthusiasm for the appointment.

"Neil has been an outstanding leader, trusted mentor, and friend throughout my career. His experience, integrity, and commitment to students make him the ideal person to lead Rhame Avenue during this transition. I am confident that he will once again answer the call to serve East Rockaway, and I know our students, staff, and families will be in exceptional hands."

The East Rockaway School District looks forward to Mr. Lederer's leadership and the positive impact he will have on the Rhame Avenue school community.