Dave Grackin Feted at
Retirement Party

Dave Grackin's long career heading the Huntington School District's financial operations was celebrated late last week at a party at The Harbor Club in Halesite. The longtime administrator is retiring at the end of the month and is preparing to enter a new chapter in his life.

Mr. Grackin, who is Huntington's assistant superintendent for finance and management services, has served in the district for the past 15 years. During that time, he has grown in stature around Long Island and across the state and is widely viewed as one of the "go to" people on school finance matters.

Huntington School Board President Emily Rogan, Superintendent James W. Polansky and Director of Facilities Alvin White feted Mr. Grackin during the retirement party. They told humorous stories, praised him for his patience and thanked him for his many years of devoted service to the community.

The party drew a crowd of about 100, including five sitting board of education members and five principals, who dined on tossed salad, tilapia, pasta and chicken Marsala and later enjoyed cake and ice cream sundaes. Chorale students under the direction of teacher Veronica Mainville performed at the event. "It was a really wonderful party for a very good man," Huntington High School librarian Patricia Dillon said. "All of us wish him well."

Following dinner, Mr. Grackin thanked business office employees past and present for the good work they have done during his tenure. The district has received a string of fine internal and external audits as well as stellar reviews by state and federal agencies.

Mr. Grackin noted he has worked for several superintendents over the past decade and a half, and "all brought a different perspective to the job. This made our time together interesting, and sometimes challenging, but overall, I believe they benefitted from my knowledge, experience and perspective."

The retiring administrator closely collaborated with each superintendent in first crafting and then administering the district's budget and also in a host of other areas of operations. "With their support, I was able to do my job to maintain the fiscal integrity of the school district without placing an undue burden upon the residents of the community," Mr. Grackin said. "We passed 15 budgets in 15 years, an accomplishment that I am proud of, but so should the entire central administrative staff."

Mr. Grackin is well known for arriving at work very early in the morning and "covering all the bases" by studying the issues, relentlessly searching for solutions and reaching out to experts in all areas.

With his wife, Janice and a host of relatives sitting nearby, Mr. Grackin paid special tribute to his family. "My parents instilled in me those core values and ethics that provided me the foundation to persevere in a job that sometimes was more than a little challenging," he said. "Our children, Jennifer and Bryan were there when I made some significant career moves. I was able with Janice's help to remain a part of their young lives and all the activities that they participated in. Hopefully, they have fond memories of those times. Janice, we've been together throughout my career of 38 years. Your patience, understanding and support have provided me the stability I needed to be successful all these years. I love you and thank you for your presence in my life."

Mr. Grackin attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before graduating from SUNY Stony Brook with a Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics and statistics. He later obtained a Master of Arts degree in mathematics at Stony Brook and went on to earn a professional diploma in school administration and supervision at Long Island University – C.W. Post.

Mr. Grackin worked as a math teacher at Sachem High School North for eight years before serving in a variety of administrative roles in Sachem including, summer enrichment program coordinator, secondary computer liaison, assistant director of data processing, treasurer of both the school district and the Sachem Public Library and finally as business administrator for four years. Later he was the director of business for the Elmont school district for two years prior to coming to Huntington.

Over the past 15 years in Huntington, Mr. Grackin has initiated business office modernization, created even tighter internal controls and procedures and implemented strict financial management and professionalism in all areas. He has also overseen numerous capital renovation, repair and reconstruction projects, overseen an extensive expansion and upgrading of computer technology systems, coordinated the district's security initiatives and significantly enhanced the food service program.

Mr. Grackin's efforts have helped lead Huntington to an excellent bond rating and a fine series of audits. While he is retiring from his current position, Mr. Grackin said he is not about to just sit around with his feet up. He intends to pursue some new challenges.

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