Community Corner

Statement From the Syosset Board of Education

The board has released a statement in regards to the salary of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carole Hankin.

Dr. Hankin is in her 21st year as Superintendent of the Syosset Central School District. Under her leadership, our District has been nationally recognized for its innovative academic programming, including our K-12 World Language and Nanotechnology curriculum and our exemplary science programming that features the District's Geological and Ecological Research Facility, the only one of its kind on Long Island.

Syosset's arts programming wins top honors. Our students' academic achievements are extraordinary, including Siemens Competition, Intel and National Merit finalists and semi-finalists; and National AP scholars; to name just a few. Our District has earned a reputation as one of the best - not only on Long Island and in the state but across the country. The outstanding programs and services that our students receive and our parents expect are the envy of school districts across the region. 

As a direct result of Dr. Hankin's management skills and oversight of the fiscal policies and practices of our District, Syosset has earned an Aa1 Bond credit rating from Moody's, which saves the District hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. Additionally, Syosset's strong financial position - again, attributable to Dr. Hankin's leadership - has resulted in the District receiving a TAN interest rate of less thatn .3 percent - the lowest in over two decades. 

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Dr. Hankin has been the driving force behind minimizing our District's administrative costs. Her achievement in this area resulted in the State of New York awarding the District $90,201 in Administrative Efficiency Aid for 2010-2011, in recognition of Syosset's eficient and prudent use of administrative resources. 

Regarding recent media articles, we are not going to legitimize reporting that includes so many inaccuracy's and so much misleading information. Dr. Hankin's compensation package is public record, and it is unfortunate that the media and statements from some elected officials continue to misrepresent the facts and ignore the invaluable contributions Dr. Hankin has made to our District and our community. 

Find out what's happening in Syossetwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We are proud to represent the Syosset School District and we are most proud and grateful that we have an educational leader and CEO of Dr. Hankin's caliber to lead us, particulary during these tumultuous economic times. While other District's struggle with the prospect of laying off tens or even hundreds of teachers, it is Dr. Hankin's leadership in negotiating a salary freeze with all of our bargaining units that has saved this District from the fate that is awaiting so many district's across the state. 

Dr. Hankin's vision, hard work and dedication have made Syosset a model district, academically and in terms of our financial prudence. She has been a tireless advocate for the students and families of Syosset. The programs that she has pioneered in our District have made Syosset what it is today - the very best. 

The Board of Education fully support Dr. Hankin. We believe her compensation is commensurate with her value to our District, and is consistent with compensation for superintendents of the top-performing districts on Long Island.


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