Peekskill Middle School Principal Granted Tenure

Dr. David Fine, principal of Peekskill Middle School, was granted tenure as
a secondary principal Wednesday, May 18, by the Peekskill Board of Education.
His new status is effective June 30.

In recommending tenure, Dr. Larry Licopoli, interim superintendent of
schools, praised the principal for his work ethic, inspiring leadership,
organization and development of an esprit de corps in his school community. “It
is an honor to recommend this,” Licopoli said.

The board promptly approved the recommendation and the meeting room
erupted in applause. “It is an honor to be doing this work,” said Fine, who was
accompanied by his family.

Tenure recognizes not only the accomplishments of the first three years
but also future expectations, Licopoli said as he presented Fine with a
five-pointed star. He explained the gift’s significance by relating the story
of a man walking along a beach who came upon a boy throwing starfish back into
the sea before they died on shore. “You will never be able to save all the
starfish,” the man said as the boy flung another into the water. “Maybe not,
but I made a difference to that one,” the boy replied.

“Just so, you are making a difference to children, one by one,” the
superintendent told the principal. “Our community is fortunate to have you.”