Pearl River Honors Retiring Superintendent Auriemma

Pearl River School District Director of Community Relations Sandra Cokeley jokes about Superintendent Dr. Frank Auriemma's retirement tour.

The latest stop was a farewell reception before Tuesday's regular school board meeting in Pirate Cove, with a number of people lined up to thank Auriemma for his 24 years of service to the district, the last eight as superintendent.

Some were no surprise. Cokeley began the reception by pointing out that Auriemma has attended approximately 450 school board meetings over the years.

Others to honor Auriemma Tuesday evening were:

• The Rotary Club of Pearl River, represented by President Elect Carol McGrath
• The Pearl River Board of Education
• The Orangetown Town Board, represented by Councilman Denis Troy, which declared June 30 to be Frank Auriemma Day in Orangetown.
• Al Roker?

Roker, the NBC meteorologist, recorded a farewell video clip for Auriemma, who is known in the district for his interest in meteorology. A former student helped set it up. In the video, Roker joked about calling Auriemma if he had trouble with a forecast.

"It's really cute," Auriemma said of the video.

Cokeley joked about Auriemma's  fascination with meteorology and the series of events at which he has been honored, but got serious long enough to talk about his contribution to the district, first as principal of the middle school, then assistant superintendent before becoming superintendent of schools.

"Through it all, Frank has always brought his knowledge, his experience and his insight and, most importantly, he has been the voice of reason for us and we really appreciate that," Cokeley said. "Our big question for Frank is what are you going to do on Tuesday nights now?"

"Believe me. I've been racking my mind about that," Auriemma responded. "It's been a great run, a great 24 years. I say it so often that it sounds trite, but it really has been an honor and a privilege. It's a great district. Great kids. Great staff. We look back and see where we were and where we are, it's almost mind-boggling.

"It's very  hard to end 41 years (in education), but like everything, there comes a a point in time where it is time. I'm just happy that the last 24 years were here."

Auriemma officially begins his retirement June 30, with Dr. John Morgano taking over July 1. Auriemma will turn his focus to teaching at the college level, something he has been doing as an adjunct.

Auriemma credited the school board for its support and willingness to work well with the administration. Board member Rob Davis said that Auriemma was a big help to him when he was first elected and was seeking advice.

My mother used to always say, if you want to change the world, you can change the world one person at a time," said School Board President Michael Clohessy. "Frank truly has changed the world for the 45,000 or 50,000 students who came through these schools."