SYRACUSE -- Outgoing Syracuse Schools Superintendent Dan Lowengard is looking back at his accomplishments in office, and looking ahead to the future of the district.
Lowengard's last day on the job was Thursday. He started in the district as a social studies teacher in 1972 before serving as the Utica schools superintendent.
He then made the move back to Syracuse.
He says he's most proud of the Say Yes to Education program and school renovations.
Lowengard also addressed his successor--Sharon Contreras--who recently appointed a chief of staff at a high cost. He says he supports her decision because it will help Contreras in her decision making.
"I understand why she's doing that, " said Lowengard. "Remember, when I came back into town, I knew everybody--I knew the principals, I knew the central office staff. I had roots here. She's coming in from out of town, she's going to make changes, and she's going to need someone to bounce ideas off of."
Lowengard says he has no plans on what to do with the free time he now has.
Contreras is scheduled to make her first appearance as superintendent Friday at the Hillside Student Center on East Avenue.
