Someone else will be filling in the big shoes.

That’s because Mr. Anthony R. Lodico, who had the unenviable task of replacing a principal legend, Mr. Saul Bruckner, will now have someone in that same position.

Mr. Lodico left on April 2^nd to become a high school superintendent. Assistant Principal Mr. Allen Barge is the interim-acting principal and will be filling in until a permanent principal is appointed. Other candidates including Mr. Barge may apply for the position.

“Being able to step away from Murrow and making sure that the school will be in good hands and for the school to continue to do well, (while) helping other places, that’s my goal,” said Mr. Lodico, who took over in 2004.

Indeed Mr. Lodico, who is the school’s second principal, did leave a tremendous imprint on the school. His goal was to maintain Murrow’s culture, which Mr. Bruckner created, but at the same time “tweak” things a little bit.

 “‘You have big shoes to fill’. I heard that a lot,” said Mr.Lodico. “I said yes but I have to worry about the footprints I’m making.”

Mr. Lodico will be a superintendent for upper Manhattan and the south Bronx. He will supervise six school districts, approximately 80 high schools.

Mr. Lodico said that he was trying to negotiate to start his job in June but he needed to start his new job in April.

“Sometimes, you leave things in life that are very comfortable. This is very comfortable,” he said. “I can certainly stay here, but it is a good time in my life to shake things up and not be so comfortable.”

Mr. Lodico, 49, said he was called in for an interview before the December holiday break. There were subsequent interviews until he was finally offered the job and accepted the position on March 13.

Mrs. Ellen Goldman, the Secretary for Mr. Lodico since his first day, said that Mr. Lodico is part of the Murrow family and it is hard to see him go.

“We have always said that we would leave together,” said Mrs. Goldman. “But I wish him the best.”

Jackline Kopyt, sophomore was upset to hear that Mr. Lodico will no longer be here.

“He made a lot of options available,” said Kopyt. “The atmosphere will change from before.”

Mr. Lodico said he has been working with our Superintendent, Ms. Aimee Horowitz to create a smooth transition after his departure.

“There’s no way I would have even considered leaving without being a part of the transition process,” he said. “(The new principal) needs to be well-fitted for Murrow.”

Mr. Lodico said that Mr. Barge was a good choice because he knows the school well and it would be a smooth transition.

“I think he has the right temperament and personality,” said Mr. Lodico. “(He is also) a good listener and a master teacher.”

It has not been decided whether or not Mr.Barge will be the permanent principal but Mr. Barge said he is forever grateful for everything that Mr. Lodico has done for the school and he is proud to take the position as the interim-acting principal.

“It is a wonderful opportunity,” said Mr. Barge. “I’m looking forward to working with people outside the Social Studies Department. I’m (also) looking forward to continue Mr. Lodico’s work.”

Mr. Mauro Bressi, the AP of the English Department, said he is going to miss Mr. Lodico but added that Mr. Barge was a good choice.

“I feel that he will fill the position nicely,” said Mr. Bressi. “He has been working closely with Mr. Lodico. He knows the school well and it’s programs. He is also a good administrator.”

Mrs. Goldman said that she is happy with Mr. Barge becoming interim-acting principal.

“I wish that he will maintain whatever Mr. Lodico started,” said Mrs. Goldman. “He knows what Mr. Bruckner’s vision was. Hopefully, he would keep that same vision intact.”

            Mr. Lodico shares his advice to the new, incoming principal.

“Be a good listener,” he said. “Whether you’re talking with parents, students or faculty, listen well. Don’t make any rash decisions, always think the problem through. And have fun.”