Darrisaw-Akile wins national school award

Monique Darrisaw-Akil, Superintendent of the Uniondale School District, has been honored as a 2023 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association.

This esteemed recognition is reserved for superintendents with less than five years of experience who demonstrate innovative leadership and exceptional communication skills within their school communities.

Darrisaw-Akil, a native of New York City who now lives in Freeport, stands out among her peers, joining a select group of 25 superintendents nationwide to receive this honor. Notably, she is the sole representative from New York state in the 2023 cohort.

Darrisaw-Akil’s journey to becoming superintendent in Uniondale is marked by a three-decade-long commitment to education. Born and raised in Brooklyn, she embarked on her career as a high school social studies teacher. Her passion for making a difference for children who were not receiving the best from the educational system led her to various roles, including staff development, curriculum specialist, and even founding her own high school, the Academy of Urban Planning, in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn.

“I grew up in Bedford Stuyvesant and at that time, the disparities between the haves and have nots in education were very stark to me.” Darrisaw-Akil said. “If you were in certain programs, you got really great opportunities like field trips and new books and great classrooms. And if you lived in other communities you didn’t get those things.

“So, I thought that that’s something that struck me at a very early age, the disparity between the segregated communities that our schools were situated in. Disparities between the building conditions of the schools, as well as the type of instruction that children received were based on people’s views of what kind of learner they were.”

Her dedication continued to unfold as she ventured into administration, serving as an associate superintendent in New York City. Later, she took on the role of assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at Brentwood, before assuming the superintendent position in Uniondale three years ago.

Reflecting on her journey, Darrisaw-Akil expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in Uniondale, a community that closely aligns with her own.

“Being a Nassau County resident and living in a community similar to the one I serve makes me feel that my work is on purpose,” Darrisaw-Akil said. “There’s no separation between how I live and the children I serve. We’re all part of one great community.”

As she celebrates her 30th year in education, Darrisaw-Akil remains driven by a passion for creating an inclusive educational system that serves all children, irrespective of their background or socioeconomic status.

One key aspect highlighted by NSPRA in Darrisaw-Akil’s recognition is her innovative use of technology to engage and inform the school community. Darrisaw-Akil’ provided insights into the strategies employed by Uniondale School District under her leadership.

Coming out of the pandemic, the district, like many others, found new ways to utilize technology. Darrisaw-Akil underscored the importance of meeting families where they are, leveraging social media, and introducing a mobile app to enhance communication. The app allows the district to proactively reach parents, delivering messages directly to their phones.

“We’re changing the game in terms of how we use technology,” Darrisaw-Akil’ said. “It’s not just about disseminating information but also showcasing what’s happening in our classrooms, sharing highlights, and communicating our vision beyond traditional areas like sports and arts.”

The district’s commitment to technology integration is further evident in its focus on STEM education. One of the schools in the district holds the distinction of being an Apple Distinguished School, emphasizing the importance of technology in education. Coding is taught across all schools, and a digital technology specialist supports teachers in integrating technology into their classrooms.

As Darrisaw-Akil indulges in the recognition of the Superintendent to Watch award, she remains forward-looking, excited about the future of Uniondale. She extends gratitude to the Board of Education and the community for their support, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that have made her vision for the district possible.

“I’m a proud Nassau County resident, and I’m excited about where Uniondale is going next,” Darrisaw-Akil said. “I want to thank our Board of Education, and the community for just believing in me and supporting my vision for the work.”

Her vision for the future involves building on the successes achieved so far, fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment, and continuing to leverage technology to enhance communication and engagement.

Darrisaw-Akil’s journey from high school teacher in Brooklyn to superintendent of schools in Uniondale is marked by a deep commitment to education equity, innovative leadership, and effective communication. As she continues to shape the future of Uniondale, her latest accolade as the 2023 Superintendent to Watch serves as a testament to her impact on the education landscape.