James Polansky is Huntington's New Superintendent
The Huntington School District is getting a new superintendent. James W. Polansky is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work. The Huntington School Board voted 7-0 during Monday night's public meeting to approve a three-year contract for the veteran educator, who will officially take over the top spot on July 1.
Mr. Polansky, who is widely known as Jim, is coming to Huntington from the South Huntington School District where he has been assistant superintendent for personnel and district services since August 2010. Prior to his current post, Mr. Polansky served as principal of Walt Whitman High School for 6 ½ years.
"I am eagerly looking forward to working with the Huntington school community in building upon rich traditions and a strong educational foundation," Mr. Polansky said. "In light of the opportunities and challenges that will surely lie ahead, cohesive efforts will play an important role. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to acquaint myself with members of the school community in the months to come."
Mr. Polansky will take over from Superintendent John J. Finello, who is retiring at the end of the month following a 39-year career in the district, including the last ten as superintendent. The contract approved by Huntington trustees runs for three years, through June 30, 2014.
Credited with "turning around" Walt Whitman High School, Mr. Polansky was 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. He had earlier served as Walt Whitman'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. He is currently studying for a Doctor of Education degree in educational and policy leadership at Hofstra University. He 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.
After securing his 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.
Huntington's new superintendent has received a number of awards over the years, including a New York State PTA Distinguished Service Award. He is an honorary lifetime PTA member. A strong supporter of interscholastic athletics and extracurricular activities, Mr. Polansky was honored by the South Huntington/Walt Whitman Wildcat Booster Club in October 2007.
In the coming days and weeks, Mr. Polansky is expected to meet with various Huntington School District administrators to begin the process of transitioning to a new superintendent. He is also expected to attend sessions with key stakeholder groups, such as the PTA and others.
"All of us are anxious to extend a warm welcome to Jim Polansky and are committed to helping him get off to a successful start in his new position," Mr. Finello said.