On April 16, the Lakeville Civic Association was pleased to welcome Great Neck Public Schools Superintendent Kenneth R. Bossert for an evening meeting hosted by Civic Association President Dr. Gordon Charlop.
Bossert was accompanied by GNPS Assistant Superintendent of Business John O’Keefe at the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Company 4 headquarters.
With the upcoming school budget election on May 21, the guest speakers provided an impressive and reassuring look at the complexities of administrating a budget of upwards of $282 million. Student safety was also an important component of the discussion.
Association members also got to know a bit about Bossert as he provided insight into his early career. He discussed why he chose to become an educator rather than follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps in pharmacy. He also shared why he decided to study and work on Long Island.
An important event that would help change his career trajectory occurred while Bossert was an elementary school teacher. A fire broke out in the school where he worked. After ushering his students to safety, Bossert—concerned that other children may have been hiding in fear and perhaps left behind—decided to reenter the building. Upon further inspection, he was relieved to confirm that all of the children had exited safely.
However, one of the firefighters who observed Bossert’s actions also served on the school board. During a subsequent meeting on an unrelated matter, the firefighter/board member recognized Bossert and asked if he would consider helping with administrative duties. His path became clear.
Over his 29 years as an educator, Bossert’s career progressed from elementary classroom teacher to building principal to district administrator.
His first superintendency was in the Port Jefferson School District, and five years later he joined the Elwood School District.
In 2023, Dr. Bossert was in his seventh year as Elwood Superintendent and had no intention of seeking employment elsewhere. Yet when he heard that the Great Neck Superintendent position became available, and knowing Great Neck’s recognition as the number one school district in the state, he jumped at the opportunity.
Like so many of the residents who come here because of the schools – so did he.
The Lakeville Civic Association thanks Bossert and O’Keefe for an informative gathering.
On May 21, the Civic Association will host Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Christine Liu to share her story about how she became the first Asian-American to be elected to the North Hempstead Town Council. Please join us!
All meetings are held at the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Company 4 at the corner of Northern Blvd. and Jayson Avenue, starting at 7:15 p.m.