Superintendent Announces Plans to Retire in September
january 11, 2023
After a dozen years at the helm of Huntington UFSD, Superintendent of Schools James W. Polansky has announced his plans to retire, effective at the close of business on September 1.
Trustees voted unanimously to accept Mr. Polansky’s request to retire, but not before Huntington School Board President Christine Biernacki asked if he wanted to change his mind. Ms. Biernacki went on to offer warm words of thanks to the veteran educator for his many years of service to the Huntington UFSD community.
Associated Teachers of Huntington President James Graber and former Huntington School Board President Jennifer Hebert also spoke and offered their appreciation for all that Mr. Polansky has done these past 12 years.
“It is with mixed emotions that after 33 years in the education profession, I submit this letter announcing my intent to retire at the close of business on September 1, 2023,” wrote Mr. Polansky in a letter to trustees. “After considerable soul-searching, I have determined that it is time for me to transition into the next stage. This comes with equal parts excitement and sorrow, the latter primarily because the Huntington School District community has been a major part of my life for the past 12 years.”
Mr. Polansky assumed the superintendent’s post on July 1, 2011. Since then he has been tireless in his quest to improve teaching and learning in classrooms across the district. Known for his energy and enthusiasm, at the time of his appointment in Huntington he had already enjoyed two-decades of success as a teacher and administrator in Long Island schools.
Mr. Polansky 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 six and one-half years.
“I am honored to have worked with a tremendously passionate and talented staff throughout,” wrote Mr. Polansky. “I am equally as honored to have played even a small part in the lives of Huntington students and their families. It has been a true privilege to be in district long enough to witness the growth of so many young and reticent primary school children into dedicated, driven, caring and compassionate young adults.”
I am honored to have worked with a tremendously passionate and talented staff throughout...I am equally as honored to have played even a small part in the lives of Huntington students and their families.
Under Mr. Polansky’s leadership, the Huntington School District established Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School in September 2013 and reinstituted a full-day kindergarten program in September 2014 following a three year absence.
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 Stony Brook University. He holds permanent teaching certificates in biology/general science, chemistry, Earth science, mathematics and business/distributive education. President of the Suffolk County School Superintendent’s Association, he is also a member of Section XI’s executive board.
“I’d like to thank each of you personally, as well as each of the former trustees with whom I have had the distinction of working,” wrote Mr. Polansky in his letter to trustees. “We have come a long way since 2011. We have navigated the ever-changing educational climate and worked as a team throughout. I am beyond grateful to you for the privilege of serving the Huntington community, as it has been among the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences of my life. I thank you for placing your trust in me to help lead our district through its successes and challenges. I can only hope that I have made a positive mark on the district that is even a fraction of the size of the mark it has left on me.”
Mr. Polansky began his career in education 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 obtaining 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.
“My thought process involved consideration of the things I’d like to see through before I go,” Mr. Polansky told trustees. “I came to realize that there will always be something that needs attention beyond the exit of any one individual. I will retire knowing that the Huntington School District will remain in the hands of a dedicated and caring Board, an outstanding administrative team, a gifted collection of teachers, and a full complement of staff members who routinely go above and beyond.”
The recipient of the New York State PTA Distinguished Service Award, Mr. Polansky is an honorary lifetime member of the PTA. He plays an active role in the New York State Council of School Superintendents and the Western Suffolk BOCES superintendents’ consortium. He has also served on the School Administrator Association of New York State (SAANYS) government relations team for several years.
“Huntington will forever be a part of me and I will remain among the Blue Devil faithful for all time,” wrote Mr. Polansky at the end of his letter. “I thank you again for your partnership, support and friendship.”
