By R.J. MARX

Fox Lane High School principal Dr. Stephen Falcone announced Tuesday that he is leaving the school to take the position of assistant superintend­ent for secondary curriculum and instruction in Darien, Conn.

According to a statement presented by Bedford Central assistant superin­tendent for personnel Robert Cooper, Dr. Falcone thanked his colleagues for their commitment to the children of Bedford and for the guidance and sup-port given to him through his four-year tenure at the school. Dr. Falcone started with the district in September 2001.

"Some people were surprised, but not everyone was surprised, because it's the perfect job for him," said Mr. Cooper of Dr. Falcon's announce­ment. ^"He started his career in Darien, and a good amount of his teaching and AP work was in Connecticut. It makes sense to vest yourself in one state.

^"When I arrived in Bedford in 2001, it was my hope that we could cultivate a community built on mutual respect, honesty, and academic excellence," said Dr. Falcone in the statement pre­sented by Mr. Cooper. "We have made great strides toward this end, and I trust that this goal will be a focus for the future."

"I think he brought to the school community the values of honesty and integrity and high academic achieve­ment," said Mr. Cooper on Tuesday. "For the kids, I think he also made the attempt — and succeeded — at serv­ing the needs of all the kids, bringing in upper-level programs like the Syracuse University courses, as well as working with ESL and special educa­tion kids who were on the margins. I think he was conscious about these efforts, and realized it was the whole community he was trying to serve. I really admired him for that kind of larger view that he had."

Bedford Central School District superintendent Dr. Debra Jackson said that she is hoping to fill the position with an interim principal for the year. "Steve will have everything in place for the opening of school. Given the impending construction, an experienced interim will be able to guide us while we conduct an extensive search," she said.

"We're probably going to go with an interim for the year," said Mr. Cooper.

He said he had no potential names for the job, "but we're going to know soon.^"

A principal's principles

`If poetry or literature — or high school or life — were readily accessible, the learning would potentially be minimal. But if we are challenged to uncover meaning, our lives will be enriched. That is the discom­fort I hope for you — one which will force you to challenge your assumptions and shape your character.'

— Dr. Stephen Falcone, at Fox Lane High School Graduation 2005