Greenwich Public Schools Appoints New HR Director [Update]

Updated to correct information:

Dr. Robert V. Lichtenfeld, the Greenwich Public Schools as managing director of operations, has been appointed the school district’s director of human resources.

The announcement of Lichtenfeld’s promotion was made Friday by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sidney A. Freund. The appointment is effective July 1. He will replace Human Resources Director Jane Anderson, who is currently on leave and recently announced that she will to relocate to Massachusetts with her family.

Freund said that Lichtenfeld’s promotion actually will result in a reduction in staff at the school headquarters. According to Freund, one position in the district’s business office will be eliminated. Lichtenfeld's replacement will be an administrative position.

Freund said the position will be filled within a couple weeks, most likely by an internal candidate, as part of a reorganization of the business department. “It will result in a small savings of $10,000 to $20,000 but it will be reflected in a reduction in head count which is important,” Freund said.

Lichtenfeld joined the Greenwich Public Schools as Managing Director of Operations in February 2010. Previously, he was schools superintendent for the Katonah-Lewisboro School District for eight years. A Greenwich resident, Lichtenfeld is a member of the Representative Town Meeting, representing District 9, whose children are graduates of Greenwich High School.

In a prepared statement, Freund also said, “As a former Superintendent, Dr. Lichtenfeld understands better than most the challenges of the role. He brings a valuable perspective to my cabinet and his contribution to the District will reach well beyond the Human Resources Department.”

After beginning his career as an elementary and special education teacher, and an assistant principal in education in New York City, Lichtenfeld left the New York City schools in 1972 to become principal of Rye Country Day School in Rye, NY. He returned to the public school system in 1978 as principal of Lewisboro Elementary School. He spent 29 years in the  Katonah-Lewisboro School District. He has served as principal for John Jay Junior High School and assistant superintendent for KLSD, before becoming superintendent in 1999.

Lichtenfeld received his bachelor’s degree from New York University; and his Master’s in Education, Master’s in Educational Administration and his Doctorate of Education from Columbia University Teachers College in New York City.

*This article has been updated to correct information on Lichtenfeld's replacement.