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Amityville Schools appoint new interim superintendent
"I have met the board and they seem to be a group of serious minded, good volunteers who have the best interest of the young people of the district at heart," said Williams who served as superintendent at Sewanhaka from 2004 to 2006. He replaces Superintendent Brian De Sorbe. Williams name was submitted to the school board along with two other final candidates provided to it by School Leadership LLC, the group that is also hired to conduct the search for a permanent superintendent. Prior to Sewanhaka, Williams was superintendent at the Scranton School District from 1993 to 2004. He served as assistant superintendent, director of elementary education, school principal, house captain and teacher in that district beginning in 1967. Williams has a degree in school administration from Lehigh University, and a master's and bachelor's degree from the University of Scranton. He is or was a member of various civic and local organizations in Scranton, including the United Way, Downtown Scranton Business Association, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Green Ridge Lions Club, in which he served as president. He is also a member of the Long Island Works Superintendents College Presidents Partnership and has been recognized in Who's Who in American Education, and awarded several commendations for distinguished scholarship and professionalism. Kathleen Gulbin, the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at Sewanhaka described her former supervisor as a man who inspires people to do their best, and is a hands-on educator. "He is very 21st century, and always makes himself very much a part of the district he works in, attending athletic events, arriving early and staying late," said Gulbin who also served with Williams in Scranton. While in Scranton, Williams introduced an innovative program for early childhood education for three and four-year olds. As a result, said Gulbin, the district became one of only a few urban districts in the state that was not sanctioned for poor performance. "A lot of that had to do with the work that was done in that early childhood program," said Gulbin. "I congratulate Amityville on making a wonderful choice." "He was out in front of everyone else when it came to pre-school education, computerization and (inclusiveness) for special education students," said Harry McGrath, the attorney for the Scranton City School District when Williams served there. Williams said that he sees challenges in Amityville as well, but that he is prepared to meet them. "I never had the luxury of working in an affluent school district and have experience in wringing out enough resources from a very stressed property tax base," he said. Sewanhaka is one of three central high school districts in New York state with five high schools serving students in grades 7-12. Younger students attend elementary schools in neighboring districts. It spent $12,881 per student in 2003-04, compared with the state average of $13,826. In 2004-05, two percent of the Sewanhaka students tested at level 1 (serious academic deficiencies), in English-Language Arts. Twenty eight percent tested at level 2, (requiring extra help), and 67 percent at levels 3 and 4, (either meeting or exceeding state standards). In science, two percent tested at level 1; 11 percent at level 2 and 87 percent at levels 3 and 4 for that same year. The district's graduation rates on its annual report cards showed that 1.9 percent, 1.3 percent and 1.6 percent students failed to graduate in 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively. Williams said that he recognizes that Amityville also faces challenges. It needs to increase its percentage of graduates and its test scores. "There is definitely an achievement gap there and we need to work to keep students in school and see that they earn diplomas," he said. But he noted that he's been encouraged by what he sees. "Despite the work that needs to be done, the board and the administrators did not focus entirely on test scores. "They focused on other things to ensure that students have an interesting and wellrounded experience," said Williams. "They have a strong athletic program, and the music program is outstanding, so there are many encouraging things going on." The board approved a per diem rate of $780, or an annual salary based on a 240-day work year of $187,200. De Sorbe had been earning $161,975 for the past four years. Additionally, the New York State Council of School Superintendent's website, lists Amityville as having an opening for a permanent superintendent at a minimum annual salary of $200,000.
Williams will step into the seat as interim superintendent Monday, Oct. 1, and plans to use his time initially to become more familiar with the district and to reach out to students, staff and the community. "I'd like to get to know them and give them the chance to know me," he said.
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