Fogel leaving Newark School District to take BOCES job

Newark school district is saying goodbye to an effective and caring administrator. With both sadness and regret, Superintendent Robert Christmann conveyed the news to staff Friday afternoon that Robert N. Fogel, assistant superintendent for business since the spring of 1996, will be leaving the district by year's end to become the business manager at the Monroe I BOCES in Fairport.

'Words cannot adequately express what a tremendous administrator Bob is and how positive his influence in so many areas has been in our district for more than a decade,' Christmann said. 'In what have been some of the most turbulent times in our state's financial history, Bob has worked tirelessly to develop budgeting strategies that have been both sensitive to the taxpayer and mindful of our charge to provide Newark students with the highest quality education possible. In all other areas of his oversight he's also provided effective leadership.'

'And with his unique background, first as a high school English teacher and later as a business administrator in two other school districts before coming here, Bob truly understands how critically important it is to provide the best education for students in order to prepare them for the highly-competitive world beyond our doors. I state with great certainty that no district could have a more skilled, caring and ethical professional serving in such an important position as he has held, the superintendent continued. It would be very difficult to find someone to fill the position who would bring both the expertise and compassion Bob has exhibited every day on the job. He has been a wonderful colleague whom I am proud to call my friend.'

Hank Hann, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, added, 'Bob has been both a trusted colleague and friend whose abilities as a business manager are unparalleled. His outstanding leadership, personality and decision-making have greatly enhanced our district during his tenure here. I will miss him personally and as a vital administrative team player.'

Board of Education president Roberta Colacino expressed regrets about Fogel's departure. 'The loss of Bob Fogel is a loss to the whole school district and community. He's a man of integrity with tremendous leadership skills and everyone I know thinks very highly of him. In all my dealings with him, I have found him to be highly professional and a huge asset to the school district. I am so saddened by this loss, both on a personal and professional level, and I wish he was not leaving.'

Fogel said his decision to leave his job here was a difficult one that he and his wife Jill carefully considered before reaching the conclusion that taking the BOCES job would be a good career move.

'It was a gut-wrenching decision and one that caused me to do a lot of soul-searching before I made it. It's been a pleasure to work with staff here, because of the team effort that has always been put forth to provide the best education we can for students in our school district, especially during the last four years when everyone has pulled together to make a difficult financial situation workable. I have enjoyed the close, collegial relationship I have with Bob and Hank and the rest of the administrative team. There has never been an issue that I have needed help with that I couldn't depend on sound advice and direction from Bob and Hank. Their stability as colleagues, mentors and friends has been priceless.'

Fogel's many responsibilities have included his oversight of district finances, employee contract negotiations, health services, maintenance, transportation and cafeteria services. 'I've been privileged to work with tremendous staff and committed Boards of Education, while there have sometimes been a few bumps like some of the issues that arose during the capital project, a project that I feel ultimately greatly improved our district facilities, I can say that I'm leaving satisfied that Ive given my best to Newark,' he said.

Craig Stell, district director of facilities and operations, said, 'Mr. Fogel has been the best supervisor I've ever worked with and has made my job easier. He's a real, compassionate person who understands the complexities of what we all do. I'm not sure how he has so successfully juggled all his different duties wearing all the hats here that he has. He's always been there for us without micro-managing. He's been available to us when we've needed him after school hours and on weekends. I'm not one to say anyone is irreplaceable, but it's going be tough to replace him. His leaving is a huge loss for this district and me personally.'

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