Superintendent of Schools
Superintendent of Schools James W. Polansky assumed his position on July 1, 2011. Well-known for his energy and enthusiasm, at the time of his appointment he had already enjoyed two-decades of success as a teacher and administrator in Long Island schools.
Mr. Polansky, who is widely known as Jim, came to Huntington from the South Huntington School District where he worked as assistant superintendent for personnel and district services since August 2010. He earlier served as principal of Walt Whitman High School for 6 ½ years.
Named 2010 New York State Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Assn. of New York/National Assn. of Secondary School Principals/Metropolitan Life for his fine work "turning around" Walt Whitman High School, Mr. Polansky had previously been the school's assistant principal from July 2002 to April 2004.
A graduate of SUNY at Albany (BA cum laude), Mr. Polansky earned a Master of Business Administration degree at Hofstra University and an advanced graduate certificate in educational administration at SUNY at Stony Brook.
Currently studying for a Doctor of Education degree in educational and policy leadership at Hofstra University, Mr. Polansky holds permanent teaching certificates in biology/general science, chemistry, Earth science, mathematics and business/distributive education.
Mr. Polansky began his career at Syosset High School where he worked as a science teacher from September 1991 to January 2001. He coached wrestling, soccer, baseball and softball there and was the mentor/coach of Syosset's Envirothon science team.
After securing state administrative certification, Mr. Polansky served as the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District's K-12 director of science, a position he held from January 2001 to July 2002, when he became Walt Whitman's assistant principal.
Mr. Polansky has extensive experience and a proven track record of improving academic performance, student attendance and graduation rates in an ethnically and socio-economically diverse school setting.
Huntington's superintendent has led building initiatives associated with narrowing the achievement gap between students and utilizing data-driven and differentiated instruction, technology integration into classroom lessons, positive behavioral support, Response to Intervention strategies and learning styles instruction.
Known as "one of the best communicators in the business," Mr. Polansky can be found attending a wide variety of school events each day. He enjoys visiting classrooms and meeting with teachers, students and parents and his colleagues in administration. He has earned the New York State PTA Distinguished Service Award and is an honorary lifetime member of the PTA.
Mr. Polansky has served on the Section XI Executive Council as second vice-president. He maintains membership in an assortment of professional educational organizations.
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News and Headlines
August 22, 2011 Two Days of Workshops Set for Administrators
Two days of workshops are on tap for Huntington School District administrators when the group returns from summer vacation. The full-day sessions are scheduled for August 30-31 in the Jack Abrams School library...full story>>
August 1, 2011 Huntington Schools on the Move
A change in command at the top of any large organization typically produces a burst of energy and a flood of new ideas. Case in point: James W. Polansky, who took over on July 1 as superintendent of the Huntington School District...full story>>
July 20, 2011 Jim Polansky Settles in as Superintendent
While summer vacation means a break for most students and teachers, James W. Polansky is working long hours, just weeks after beginning his job as the Huntington School District's new superintendent...full story>>