Superintendent Bisso to retire

Hewlett-Woodmere to begin national search in fall; Peter Weber named deputy sup’t

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Hewlett-Woodmere Schools Superintendent Dr. Joyce Bisso announced at the July 8 Board of Education meeting that she would retire after the upcoming school year, on June 30, 2015.
Bisso joined the district in August 1994, as the assistant principal of Hewlett High School. She was the interim high school principal from December 1998 to June 2000, and served as the high school principal from July 2000 through June 2006, when she became the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. In 2010, Bisso replaced Dr. Les Omotani as superintendent.
Growing up in Winsor Terrace and the surrounding neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Bisso always knew she wanted to be a teacher. “I always loved learning, and admired my teachers,” she said. “As a child, I taught on my front stoop. I taught neighborhood kids. I taught my cat. I taught imaginary students. I knew what I wanted to do from a very early age. I began to see an administrator as a teacher of teachers and an extension of the vital work of teaching and learning. I still do.”
Her work as a superintendent has always been about the people — students, staff and families, Bisso said. “As superintendent, I’ve been most gratified in the collaborative and creative work with our Educating the Future for the Future initiative,” she said. “Among the highlights have been the extension of the Youth Leadership Forum to Woodmere Middle School and the many sessions of youth and adults learning together, the mentoring of talented and dedicated administrators in positions of leadership, and the expansion of our district leadership team to include pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade chairpersons. In all of the administrative positions I’ve held, including superintendent, I’ve enjoyed sharing in the accomplishments of students, from concerts, plays, art exhibits to regional, national and international performances in academics, the arts, athletics and activities.”
Linda Kreisman, president of the district’s Central Council PTA, said she believes that the educational philosophy established during Bisso’s years will propel student success in the future. “It’s her policies, the district’s mission statement, her ability to offer more to students in art and athletic activities that’s the legacy she’ll leave behind,” Kreisman said. “In working with our district, she’s also been able to offer more opportunities for students in a wide range of classes. While other districts have had to make cuts, she’s been able to offer opportunities to all students, whether it’s been at the college/Advanced Placement, honors, Regents or special needs levels.”

Adon Choudhury, who graduated in June and will attend Cornell University in the fall and major in biological science, recounted how much Bisso contributed to his academic career. “It was during a leadership trip called Camp Snowball where I really got to know her,” Choudhury said. “As a freshman, she took me under her wing. Over the past four years she’s helped me in guiding youth through leadership. She’s taught me about systems thinking, where events in life are all connected. In my senior year, she provided me guidance with my college applications. She’s shaped me into the student I am today.”
A national search for a new superintendent will begin in September, district officials said. Dr. Peter Weber, the assistant superintendent of business, has been named deputy superintendent for the transition period.
Bisso said she was undecided about what she will do when she retires. “At this time, with my retirement a full year away, I’m reserving my options,” she said. “I’d like to spend extended time with my growing family and friends of a lifetime.”

Have an opinion about Joyce Bisso’s retirement or the search for her replacement? Send your letter to the editor to jbessen@liherald.com.