A 'Freundly' Farewell

About 75 people gathered Tuesday afternoon at the Board of Education building in downtown Greenwich to wish Dr. Sidney Freund well as he ended his tenure as Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent.

The reception was attended by principals, assistant principals, Greenwich High School housemasters, program administrators, Havemeyer staff, town leaders, parents and community members. Also attending was outgoing Democratic Board of Education member Jonathan Cohen.

Freund tendered his resignation in May following a months-long public feud over district policy with Republican Board of Education members Marianna Ponns-Cohen and Peter Sherr. His last day - originally scheduled for Aug. 17 - is being extended until Aug. 22 - the day before interim superintendent Roger Lulow takes over. Rather than leave the district without a leader as it deals with the contaminated soil issue at the Greenwich High School construction site, Freund has agreed to stay an additional week.

First Selectman Peter Tesei voiced his appreciation of the working relationship he and Freund enjoyed. "We worked collaboratively to obtain funding for ongoing capital investment in our schools. I wish Sid well and thank him for his service."

Also attending was state Rep. Livvy Floren, (R-149) who recalled the favorable working experience that the town's Hartford delegation had with Freund.

And in reference to Freund's untimely resignation, Representative Town Meeting member Chris Von Keyserling said, "Dr. Sid Freund, our friend, as a final gift to Greenwich, resigned in such a manner as to bring public focus to the crisis in educational leadership and vision in the Town of Greenwich."

Alluding to the circumstances which led to Freund's resignation, von Keyserling asked, "Can the educational community continue to capitulate to a loud, political minority, driven by issues other than student welfare and healthy teaching programs?" He asked that a lesson be learned and reform emerge. "Normally, the educational community is not political, focusing instead on student welfare and quality of learning. Not today," von Keyserling said.

Speaking for district staff, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ellen Flanagan offered heartfelt comments. "On behalf of the Greenwich Public School community, I’d like to thank you for your hard work and dedication to our students, families and staff," Flanagan said.

Flanagan's words moved Freund and attendees as she summed up what all in the room were feeling; "It has been a true pleasure to be guided by a man with such integrity, passion and experience."

Freund has been known for his presence within the District, especially for frequently visiting the district’s multiple school buildings. Those who have worked with Freund have often joked that he is difficult to keep up with. Flanagan referenced this saying, "your energy and enthusiasm were at times exhausting, but were always focused on improving outcomes for students."

Flanagan also said, "I am confident that each of us has learned something valuable under your leadership that will positively impact our district for years to come. You have our sincere thanks and our best wishes as you start another chapter in your amazing career."

Freund told the crowd that he has been impressed with the level of involvement with the education system in the Town of Greenwich. He said that Greenwich has the components, but  needs to determine how to put it all together. Freund thanked the district staff, especially his Cabinet, all of which were in attendance.

Freund advised the staff not to forget what matters most - the students. Tesei also spoke of Freund's commitment to the children. "Sid always put the interest of the children first," Tesei said.

A frequent visitor to classes throughout the district, Freund last week visited summer school classes at Cos Cob School.