The Hicksville School District board of education officially accepted the resignation of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carl Bonuso, effective June 30, at a special meeting last week.
“Dr. Bonuso, with the support of our outstanding administration and staff, has raised the level of student achievement, created a stronger school-parent community partnership, and put into place the plans to improve our facilities and preserve our community’s investment in our school district,” said Board of Education President Phil Heckler. “The collaborative environment that Dr. Bonuso helped foster will be his legacy to our district at a time when it was truly needed.”
Bonuso is a well-known and highly regarded Long Island educator. He served as the interim superintendent of schools in Hicksville during the 2014-15 school year and was appointed as superintendent in the summer of 2015. Under his leadership, the community passed a $40 million bond referendum that will support a new auditorium, state-of-the-art library media centers, new music rooms, air conditioning and an aquatic center for student and community use.
During his tenure in Hicksville, Bonuso has implemented a districtwide pre-K program, initiated curriculum revisions, expanded the district’s STEM program and created an effective partnership between parents, local businesses and the community-at-large. He was committed to creating a warm and caring environment and made building partnerships with local universities and the community a priority.
“It has been a pleasure to serve the students and families of this community,” said Bonuso. “I know I am leaving this district in a stronger position than it was a few years ago and I am confident that my successor will continue this vision and bring the district to the next level of success. I look forward to seeing as many faces as I can at events these next few months.”
In December, Bonuso was awarded Hofstra University’s 2017 George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award. He was also selected by the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce as the Education Provider of the Year for 2015, and in 2016 was honored by the Hicksville Civic Association with its Community Service Award.
The board will be seeking input from staff and community residents regarding professional and personal qualifications they seek in the next superintendent, via the district’s website at www.hicksvillepublicschools.org. The board will also host a meeting to solicit community input on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 8:30 p.m., in the board room located in the administration building. There will be a second opportunity for community input during the board of education meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 8:30 p.m., in the administration building. The board will take into consideration all input prior to making its final decision.
—Submitted by the Hicksville School District
