In 1972 he moved from the classroom to administrative offices when he became acting principal at Charlton High School in Charlton, Massachusetts, earning a Master's Degree in Education Leadership from Harvard University at the same time. Soon thereafter, he earned a doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of Massachusetts. In 1975 he became principal of Sidney High School, and two years later was promoted to assistant superintendent of schools. In 1984 he was named superintendent, a capacity in which he served until 1991. John Mirabito, who worked for Perry in 1976, indicated that "he not only set an example of volunteerism through his community activities, but also encouraged me and many others to follow his example. His enthusiasm was contagious, his commitment steadfast, and anything he was involved in was ultimately successful." Many remember Perry for his eternal optimism about the future of his students and today's youth in general.
While in Sidney, Perry was very active in Rotary, serving as co-founder and former chair of the District 7170 Rotary Youth leadership program -- still one of the major youth programs offered today. Perry was very active in Rotary at both the club and district levels and, as District Governor in the 2003-2004 Rota-ry year, supervised 43 clubs and 2,000 Rotarians. Perry also helped organize the Sidney Community Band with the support of the Chamber of Commerce; he started Dollars for Scholars in Sidney; and served on the Tri-Town Theater Board and acted in many of their productions.
Perry left Sidney in 1991 to become the Superintendent of Nyack Schools, and in 1996 became Superin-tendent of the Vestal school system, where he served until 2001, when he retired from public education. Dr. Berkowitz has remained in the field of education, and is currently Associate Professor of Education Leadership and Administration at the College of Saint Rose, in Albany, NY. He also runs an organizational development consulting firm, PLB Consulting, with his wife, Lonalee.
Perry has been deeply involved in numerous educa-tional activities and organizations, and has served on several state and national panels and commissions. Most recently he was chair for the National Committee on Women in Administration, and a member of the prestigious New York State Blue Ribbon Panel on Education Leadership. He served on the New York State Assessments Advisory Committee for the School District Leader Certificate Program, which developed the New York State School Building Leader and the School District Leaders examinations, in use since 2007.
Perry's credentials, accomplishments, and standing in the field of education as well as his personal character and community commitment mark this man's life and leadership in community service.