Business Manager Fogel
returns to Newark schools

Robert 'Bob' Fogel will rejoin the Newark school district administrative team April 28, as assistant superintendent for business. The Board of Education unanimously approved his appointment at Wednesday's board meeting.

Interim Superintendent Henry Hann said he couldn't be happier to welcome Fogel home.

Fogel thanked the Board for giving him the opportunity to return to Newark. In December 2006, he left the assistant superintendent for business position he'd held here for 10 years to become the business manager at Monroe I BOCES in Fairport.

When he announced he was leaving he said it was a 'gut-wrenching decision' and one that caused him to do a lot of soul-searching before he decided to take the BOCES job, because it was such a great career opportunity.

But after a short time, Fogel, with his unique background, first as a high school English teacher and then as business administrator in two other school districts before Newark, realized he really missed working directly for a school district. He had considered returning to one at some point if the right opportunity arose.

So he was pleasantly surprised to learn from Hann in January that his successor Greg Kern, a Lockport resident who'd been commuting each day, had accepted a position as business manager with the Amherst school district in Erie County, much closer to his home.

Fogel said, 'Opportunities with other school districts have arisen, but Newark is home to me and where I need to be.'

In 2006, after announcing he was leaving his Newark job, many of his colleagues, staff and School Board members expressed sadness and regret that Newark was losing such a highly effective and caring administrator.

'We didn't want Bob to leave before, and we are so very pleased he wants to return,' Hann said.

'He was a great asset to this district. His abilities, leadership and decision-making skills are unparalleled and he is so highly respected within the school district and community.'

'I am thrilled,' said School Board President Roberta Colacino. 'Hank did a wonderful job in even thinking to ask Bob if he might come back. Hank has the responsibility of recommending people to the board to be on his administrative team and he recommended the person he felt was best for the job and made it happen. Bob Fogel always was a terrific asset to the district.'

She added, 'We have someone who is already knowledgeable in all the workings of the district, is respected and liked by the people he will be coming to work with as well as the community. He can hit the ground running.'

Fogel's responsibilities will include his oversight of district finances, employee contract negotiations, health services, maintenance, transportation and cafeteria services.

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