Three buildings within the district were recognized for their historical preservation with markers by the Freeport Historical Society during separate unveiling ceremonies.
The front lawns of the district's three historical landmarks in the Village of Freeport - the Central Administration Building, Columbus Avenue School and Archer Street School - are now identified by beautiful blue-and-yellow metal markers as historical buildings. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham said that the markers are a testament to the district's commitment to maintaining its origin.
"These markers pay tribute to our beginning as a public school system," Dr. Kuncham said. "It's important to preserve our history and we remain dedicated to upholding our roots as we achieve great things as a district. Thank you to the Freeport Historical Society for recognizing our buildings and their place in the history of the Village of Freeport."
Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Special Projects Dr. Mary Bediako, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Gerard Poole, Executive Director of Operations Michael Singleton, Board of Education Vice President Anthony Miller and Village of Freeport trustee Debra Mul joined Dr. Kuncham and members of the Freeport Historical Society for the unveiling of each of the markers. Cleopatra Panagiosoulis and Paula Lein, principals of Columbus Avenue and Archer Street schools, also joined the ceremonies at their respective schools, and Nassau County Legislator Laura Curran was in attendance for the unveiling at Columbus Avenue. At each unveiling, a member of the Freeport Historical Society spoke about the history of the building.
Each historical marker features a description of the building's origin. The Central Administration Building's marker reads, "Seaman Ave. School Opened in 1908 to Relieve Overcrowding at Grove St. School. Attended by Residents from Northern Section of Village." Columbus Avenue's marker reads, "Columbus Ave. Built 1914. First School in Freeport with a Gymnasium. John W. Dodd Served as a Principal Here. Charles Hart was Architect." Archer Street's marker reads, "Opened in 1910 to Serve Students in South Freeport. This was an Architectural Duplicate of the Seaman Avenue School."
The unveiling ceremonies paid homage to the deep roots of the school district's buildings and the historical markers will continue to serve as a testament to its dedication to progress and preservation of history.