Former Utica and Syracuse School District Superintendent  Dan Lowengard is in a Rochester hospital.

It comes just as he was ready to take the reins of the Rochester school district on a temporary basis:

Lowengard was speaking Thursday night at a session hosted by the union representing Rochester teachers when he collapsed. Officials said he fainted and was alert as he was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital.

A statement issued by school district officials says Lowengard is in good spirits and resting comfortably  at the hospital where he is still undergoing tests.

The statement also says officials are optimistic Lowengard will be back at work very soon.

Lowengard was appointed last fall as interim superintendent in Rochester after the previous leader resigned, and he just had started his new job on New Year’s Day.

Lowengard has said he is not interested in the post on a permanent basis.

(Story by Randy Gorbman, WXXI Radio, Rochester)

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