Zocchia's Retirement from District Made Official

Thirty-four years after joining the West Islip School District, Louis Zocchia has decided to step down. 

Zocchia, who has held the role of assistant superintendent for human resources and director of world languages for the past eight years, had his resignation unanimously approved by the board of education at Thursday night's meeting.  He is the second administrator to announce his departure in the past three months ().  His final day will be Nov. 30, 2012.  

"At this point I'm officially retiring," he said.  "I'm not sure where my life will go after this, I haven't decided yet.  But after 34 and a half years, it's time to move on."

Before being appointed assistant superintendent, Zocchia taught at Beach Street Middle School for 26 years. He also served as Foreign Language Club adviser, assistant junior high wrestling coach and president of the Teachers' Association.  

Zocchia said there is some uncertainty regarding his position with the district.  Supt. Rick Simon said he'll address his administration at the upcoming budget worksession next Wednesday and did mention that he's trying to reduce the size of his team so that it will save the district as many dollars as possible. 

"Lou has truly bled blue and gold for a long time," Steve Gellar said at Thursday's meeting.  "It's difficult to imagine the West Islip School District without him.  We will miss you professionally and personally."