Huntington Searching for New Assistant Superintendent
With Michael O’Brien required to leave his interim position by the end of the school year, the Huntington School District has embarked on finding a replacement to serve as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
Mr. O’Brien retired from the Kings Park school district at the close of the 2005-06 school year. He has served in Huntington after being issued a pair of consecutive one-year state waivers, which are required before a retired teacher or administrator can begin working again for a school district. Retirees are limited to working a maximum of two years in any one district.
According to a job posting that was sent to Huntington teachers and administrators, the district “is seeking an outstanding instructional leader for the position of assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. The successful candidate must demonstrate an ability to bring diverse groups to consensus and an accomplished background in instructional strategies and curriculum development.”
Applicants must be willing to work long hours, including spending time on the job beyond the end of the regular school day. Candidates need a strong background in curriculum, instruction and evaluation, possess the ability to manage leadership teams, demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communications, planning, organization, leadership and public relations, have skills in curriculum development, knowledge of teaching and learning theories and of the school improvement process.
Candidates are also required to have knowledge of state standards, assessments and planning mandates and be able to use test data to inform instruction. Candidates are asked to submit an application by Jan. 25 to Assistant Superintendent Joseph Giani.
In addition to soliciting applications from current employees, the district has also posted the position on the On-Line Application System for Educators known as OLAS. According to Mr. Giani, “55 Long Island districts currently subscribe to OLAS, which is becoming the recognized place to look for a career in education. We began using OLAS back in August and are having great success filling our vacancies, particularly vacancies that are hard to find applicants for.”
Before placing an expensive newspaper advertisement, the district is anxious to see the response to both the internal and OLAS postings. Job searchers from across the country typically log onto the OLAS system on a regular basis.
Mr. Giani is in the process of creating a selection committee and developing a timeline for filling the looming vacancy. The appointment of Mr. O’Brien’s replacement is expected to be effective July 1.
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