Six Years of Change
Mamaroneck School Board President Ronda Lustman Retires

By Judy Silberstein

The one constant during Ronda Lustman's six years on the Board has been change. Prior to her joining the Mamaroneck School Board in July 1996, the community had dug in its heels and defeated two bonds to finance the physical and organizational overhaul of the Hommocks. "It's not broke, so don't fix it," was the majority opinion.

But starting with her first year, Lustman "Sensed that the district was poised for change. Now we're really in the process of change in every sense - over physical, curricular and social issues."

Signs of change are everywhere. Every building is being renovated, and/or expanded. Under the umbrella of "curriculum coherence," the entire educational program -literacy, math, science and social studies - is being overhauled. Barriers to advanced classes are tumbling and special education students are increasingly included in the mainstream. Even at the change-resistant high school, construction of a new science wing, library, café and commons is motivating a reappraisal of academic, administration and counseling functions.

Lustman is quick to credit others for most of the initiatives - chiefly the "reformist" Superintendent, Sherry King, a collaborative Board and a supportive community. But she cites as her greatest achievement "bringing more people into the process of change." Recent "community conversations have been an incredible experience" attracting 81 people to share views on "challenge" and "equity." During her tenure, parents, teachers and Board members together tackled thorny issues such as continuing the Pre-Kindergarten program and reducing class sizes.

"I can't imagine anyone having a better six years," reflected Lustman. That's not to say all has been harmonious. There were loud protests over plans to move the Kemper memorial, and much discontent over Mamaroneck Avenue School test scores. And there's always more to be done: minority achievement is far from acceptable, tracking at the middle and high school still stands in the way of many students seeking entry into advanced courses; and antique buildings require continual attention. However, she views the difficult times as "bumps in the road" to progress and her eyes light up when she considers the excitement of meeting future challenges. As a continuing member of the district Building Committee and the high school Architectural Review Committee there's more excitement ahead for the retiring Board President.

Yet leaving the Board will be difficult. Lustman could have run for re-election like Board Vice-President April Farber who just won an unprecedented third term. But as son Steven enters the high school and daughter Katie prepares for 12th grade and then college, Lustman anticipates wanting to spend more time with family. As an Assistant Attorney General for the State of New York, her professional life can be demanding, and after six years on the Board, her house could use some attention. In her estimation, it is time for a change - for the schools and for Ronda Lustman.

June, 2002

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