Superintendent Daniel Domenech was given three standing ovations and a fourth, 20-second round of applause at the last School Board meeting he will attend as superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools.
Domenech, who served as the chief of the school system the last six years, retires Friday, March 6. Brad Draeger, former chief academic officer, will be the interim superintendent until the next superintendent is hired.
The following are excerpts from the words each school board member spoke to Domenech last Thursday, Feb. 26.
<lst>"In the back of my mind is the thought, 'Is there anyone out there who will really replace this man?'
"He knew where he wanted to take this school system and never gave up. He is the leader of leaders committed more than anything else to the children of this society."
<1b>— Catherine A. Belter, Springfield District
<lst>"In our school district, we had so many schools benefit from your leadership; schools that would be much different today without you."
<1b>— Phillip A. Niedzielski-Eichner, Providence District
<lst>"When I think of Dan, I think of the quintessential education advocate — the one who speaks for every child, including those who can't speak for themselves. His integrity is a role model for us all."
<1b>— Kaye Kory, Mason District
<lst>"He truly believed in every child there is a hero, and he has given us the tools to find that hero."
<1b>— Jane K. Strauss, Dranesville District
<lst>"Your legacy will be legendary. We shall miss you dearly."
<1b>— Janet Oleszek, At-large
<lst>"Hiring you was the second best decision I made in my life; the first was to marry my wife."
<1b>— Stuart D. Gibson, Hunter Mill District
<lst>"Words are powerful, but action is even more so. The Mount Vernon school community has heard words for many, many, many years. … The difference between today and six years ago … is actions followed the words you spoke. The Mount Vernon community and children of will never ever forget your efforts."
<1b>— Daniel Storck, Mount Vernon District
<lst>"I feel gypped. I got only a couple of months under your leadership. …You brought so many great things into this county; we will be forever in your debt."
<1b>— Brad Center, Lee District
<lst>"Thank you for the excellent job you did to move programs forward."
<1b>— Steve Hunt, At-large
<lst>"We put out a profile of what the ideal candidate will be. It's not a profile of some imaginary superintendent; this is a profile of our current superintendent. … Dr. Domenech has always been a champion of every student in the county."
<1b>— Andrew Ramish, student representative
<lst>"You've made a big difference; thank you, Dan, for everything."
<1b>—Kathy Smith, chair, Sully District
<lst>"Seven years ago, I had the distinct honor to interview you. I remember asking you some tough questions …
"You said you preferred beer to champagne, you preferred hot dogs to caviar."
<1b>—Ilryong Moon, At-large
<lst>"Mr. Moon…my stay in Fairfax County has made me more sophisticated. Now, I drink imported beer …
"We have loved our stay in Fairfax. It will continue to be a great system long after I'm gone.
“I know there are many fine talented people who will apply for this job and they will be lucky to get the opportunity to do this.
“It's a treasure you have here, it's a paradise we have here in this county. Keep it well."
—Dr. Daniel A. Domenech, Superintendent