The Genius of Gene

In March, Gene Nyitray, principal of New Lebanon School, announced that he will retire effective July 1.  Since coming to Greenwich Public Schools 7 years ago, Nyitray has infused himself in New Lebanon so much so that he says that even though he won't be the principal, he is "always going to care" about the school and the community. Well-respected throughout the district, the educator has seen his role as supporting those who are "under-represented, under-educated, or in need of voice."

Clearly he has endeared himself and made a lot of connections in doing so.  "The parents (here) have been fantastic to me," said a smiling Nyitray. "But more importantly, they are fantastic to the school."

Prior to coming to Greenwich, Nyitray was an administrator in Valley Stream, N.Y.’s District 30, a K-6 district, for 10 years having served as assistant superintendent, the assistant to the superintendent, and director of pupil personnel services.

Suzanne Merkel, former Greenwich Public School's PreSchool program coordinator worked with Nyitray  in Queens, NY, where they were both principals of special education schools in District 75 (also called Citywide Programs.) District 75 is known to serve the most disabled students throughout NYC. 

Merkel remembers that Nyitray was "widely admired and deeply respected by his colleagues in NYC." Known back then and now as "a tireless worker, extremely resourceful and a consensus builder who did not shy away from making the tough decisions when necessary, "it is easy to agree that Nyitray is a "true leader."

One can easily see that while Nyitray is one who immerses himself in the important role he plays as an educator wherever he is, Nyitray laments, "I wish I would have come to Greenwich sooner - that is my only regret."  

Nyitray is far from a boastful man. He has been described as "nice" and "funny" but says "it is hard for me to talk about myself." However, it is not hard for Nyitray to praise his staff. "I am extraordinarily proud of the New Lebanon staff."

Clearly the staff at New Lebanon respect Nyitray and his philosophy. When coming to Greenwich he saw his role as one that would have immediate impact on students. "We need to change the futures of the kids" he recalls telling the staff, "and we have the opportunity to change their future now."

His personal motivation of "do your best work everyday" permeated throughout the building inspiring the staff as the school community works hard to shape the futures of the students. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sidney A. Freund said, "Gene believes that every child can learn and has instilled pride in the students and staff of New Lebanon"

Andrea Vaz, former New Lebanon School parent and PTA president, said that he has "made the school culture an environment of achievement and happiness." Freund agrees with Vaz's observation stating that, “Gene has been the heart and soul of New Lebanon, respected by children, teachers, and parents. He has been a strong advocate for his students and has worked tirelessly to build a cohesive school community and to raise student achievement."

And that was exactly what Nyitray, who started his career in education as a physical education teacher, set out to do when arriving at New Lebanon. He sees himself as someone who has been "a clear advocate for the school and for Byram."

When asked what has been his favorite part of being a principal, he quickly replies, "My treat every day is being able to go into the classroom and interact with the kids." And the students themselves seem to have taken a liking to this as well. For example, Nyitray explains with his keen and much admired sense of humor that Ms. Weaver's 1st Grade Class calls him "Big Dog" and they are his "puppies." What is clearly an inside joke, Nyitray beams, "they bark at me, and I wolf at them."

While Nyitray will be replaced and Freund states "he will be a tough act to follow, ” it is probably likely that New Lebanon will hold dear only one "Big Dog." The future principal of New Lebanon will need to reinvent him or herself as a different kind of top dog.