Dr. Abbey announces his retirement

Kate Howard and Lily Kazemi
News Editors

On Oct. 12, Superintendent of Schools David Abbey announced his retirement. Dr. Abbey will officially end his term on July 1 after serving the NCPS school system for nearly twenty years.

It is no coincidence that this announcement comes shortly after the departure of former Principal Tony Pavia – Dr. Abbey said that he put off the retirement in order to smooth the transition. “We lost four administrators [including Mr. Pavia and Assistant Principal Dawn Bartz from NCHS]in one year,” he said. “I thought it was important to help with the transition to a new administrative team.”

Superintendent and the high school

Though he’s only been superintendent for the past nine years, Dr. Abbey has held several positions in this district, including NCHS Principal. “There is nothing like the pace of a high school principal,” he said. “Everything happens with great speed and you are always moving and it is very people-intensive. You spend a lot of nights out. As superintendent, you can pace yourself more and have time for reflection.”

Although he is no longer the principal, Dr. Abbey said that he maintains a strong partnership with whomever holds the position. This partnership, as well as many meetings, is essential for efficient communication to run the activities at the high school.

“It is really a very close relationship and that was true when Mr. Pavia was there and it is still true with [Principal Bryan] Luizzi,” he said. “It is a huge help to a superintendent when there are really outstanding principals and I am very lucky to have gotten a chance to work with the two of them.”

Taking a proactive part in student life

Over his years as superintendent, Dr. Abbey has greatly involved himself with different student activities, attending as many functions as possible.

“As a whole, I find the students in the district are terrific, hardworking, responsible and talented,” he said. “Especially when I go to a lot of events. I go to as many plays, productions and athletic events as possible. After all these years, I take satisfaction in their achievements. It’s a joy to watch students achieve.”

In fact, the experience of interacting with the different people he has encountered throughout the years was one of Dr. Abbey’s favorite parts of the job. “[It is] such a wonderful opportunity to work with [kindergarten]to high school students, many educators, parents and members of town government,” he said. “Working on behalf of so many people is very exciting.”

When asked about the numerous snow days the district experienced last year, Dr. Abbey laughed. “[Deciding when snow days are is the] least favorite part of the job,” he said. “I put all my resources together and I make a determination and do my best. I think of the students that drive and the teachers who drive and the level of responsibility.”

Looking into the past accomplishments and the future

Under Dr. Abbey’s leadership, the district has implemented numerous programs to enrich academic and personal learning. These consist of the integration of a language program into the elementary schools, reforming the special education program, the internship program at the high school and an all-day kindergarten. Other highlights include an expanded use of technology, the extension of visual and performing arts and an impressive athletic program.

“A big part of what I do is communicate with the community and a huge part of that is working on the school budget,” he said. “Every school district needs resources. All of those programs cost money and I have to convince the committee to get those supplies. A majority of the work accomplished is with other people and I enjoy being part of that team.”

Though Dr. Abbey will be leaving the district, he said he continues to hope for improving quality and excellence in the programs offered in the district to meet the needs of families. “I’m hoping curriculum instruction continues to be strong and [the district]continues to improve the science, technology, English and math (STEM) program,” he said. “Opportunities to our K-12 program with regard to improving student growth are important in providing opportunity to have a broad range of programs.” In particular, he stressed how he would like to see today’s kindergartners graduate with a fluency in a foreign language through a matured K-12 language program.

When asked about his upcoming retirement this summer, Dr. Abbey said it is a position that is very difficult to leave. “It will be very emotional, and it seems like a long way off because this is such a great community to work for,” he said. “This community has great spirit and I hope students continue loving being apart of the district and the district continues to do everything it can to improve on behalf of them.”

Video by Giuliana Savini