BOE Seeks Community's Help in Finding Permanent Superintendent

From the Syosset Board of Education:

To Syosset Central School District Residents,

As part of our superintendent search process, the Board of Education seeks community involvement and input in order to identify the leadership characteristics and attributes that our new superintendent must possess to be successful in our district.

Representatives from the search firm of Hazard, Young and Attea (HYA) conducted individual as well as group interviews with faculty, staff, administrators, students and parents last week in order to create a candidate profile outlining desired traits and characteristics of a qualified superintendent.  HYA consultants will be in district on October 23 and October 24 to continue interviewing district personnel as well as various representatives from community groups. 

The research protocols (online survey and focus groups) are designed to involve voluntary representatives from all constituent groups. Results from the research will be compiled and published in a comprehensive report which will be presented to the Board of Education at our monthly meeting on November 18.  This report will be available on the website after that date.

Participants can access the online survey via a special link on our district homepage.  The survey consists of both multiple-choice and open-ended questions.  Results will help the search team identify, among other things, the characteristics and skills our new superintendent should possess.  All results will be complied electronically into a data report to be shared with the Board of Education and community.

For a more in-depth discussion of the desired leadership characteristics and attributes, the Board of Education invites you to attend a public focus group session.  Focus group sessions are scheduled for October 23 at 7:00pm and October 24 at 7:30pm in South Woods auditorium.  Each session will be facilitated by an HYA search consultant with no board members in attendance to ensure a setting for open communication and “pure community input”.

Please note that while participation is voluntary, the Board of Education encourages individuals to complete the online survey and/or attend a public focus group session.  The Board of Education hopes to receive input from the broadest possible cross-section of residents and welcomes all to be part of the process and play a key role in selecting our new superintendent.

As always, the Board of Education thanks you for your involvement and input as we continue our superintendent search.  Please check the website frequently for updates.

Michael Cohen, MD

April Neuendorf

Chris DiFilippo

Tracy Frankel

Rob Gershon

Josh Lafazan

Susan Parker

Alan Resnick, MD

Laura Schlesinger