FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 16, 2006

John Powell Named New Assistant Superintendent for Business "This is a key appointment. We conducted a major search that attracted the top people in the world of school finance, all of whom were put through a rigorous selection process...John Powell...is totally familiar with finance, in general, and with the financial issues in Nassau County, in particular." -- Dr. Ronald Friedman, Superintendent of Schools

At the June 5, 2006, meeting of the Board of Education, the appointment of John T. Powell as assistant superintendent for business of the Great Neck Public Schools, effective September 15, 2006, was unanimously approved by the Board. Mr. Powell will replace Edwin (Ed) Groshans, deputy superintendent, who will be leaving the district in September after a span of almost 40 years. Dr. Ronald Friedman, superintendent of schools, provided some background information and introduced Mr. Powell.

Dr. Friedman stated, "This is a key appointment. We conducted a major search that attracted the top people in the world of school finance, all of whom were put through a rigorous selection process. Our choice, John Powell, is currently assistant superintendent for business and finance in the Garden City Public Schools. He has also held significant positions in the city of White Plains, where he was commissioner of finance, and in the Sachem Public Schools, where he was assistant to the superintendent for business. In addition, Mr. Powell is a certified public accountant. He is totally familiar with finance, in general, and with the financial issues in Nassau County, in particular."

Board of Education President Lawrence Gross added that it was important to note that Ed Groshans was an integral part of the Selection Committee and the selection process.

Mr. Groshans, commenting on the appointment, said, "I have known John Powell for some 16 years, as members of the North Shore Quadrant of school business administrators. John has always taken leadership roles. He is an excellent replacement for me."

Board of Education Vice President Judi Bosworth said, "With Ed Groshans, we had the gold standard in business administration. We knew we didn't have to worry because of Ed's great integrity and expertise. Now, we will have the same confidence in John Powell and we are pleased with his selection."

For 16 years, Mr. Powell has been engaged in business and finance in education for three school districts. In addition to his assistant superintendencies in Garden City and Sachem, he was district treasurer and head accountant in the Roosevelt Public Schools. Dr. Stephen I. Leitman, former superintendent of the Garden City Public Schools, said, "John Powell has tremendous integrity, a great work ethic, and is one of the most decent human beings I have ever encountered. He has a broad knowledge of his field. He is a gem, someone very special."

In addition to his certification as a public accountant, Mr. Powell is a certified public finance officer, a certified government financial manager, and a certified school district administrator. He earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in educational administration from Hofstra University and a Master in Business Administration in accounting and a Bachelor in Business Administration in management, magna cum laude, from Adelphi University. He was elected to membership in Delta Mu Delta, the national honor society in business administration, and Delta Tau Alpha, the honor society of Adelphi University.

In the private sector, Mr. Powell was an internal auditor for the Culbro Corporation and a staff accountant for Arthur Andersen & Company. On a voluntary basis, he has provided income-tax assistance to elderly and low-income individuals and currently serves as treasurer for the White Plains Community Health Fair, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to promote good health generally, with particular emphasis on the needs of lower-income members of society.

About coming to Great Neck, Mr. Powell said, "I am looking forward to joining the administrative team of the Great Neck Public Schools. The district's record of excellence is well known throughout the area and I am grateful for this opportunity. I am hoping for a long and successful career serving the communities that make up the school district."