Business official a trailblazer for women

Women’s History Month is a time to not only honor the contributions made by women in history, but to recognize those still blazing the trail today. The Town of Hempstead calls these women “Pathfinders” and one of them has been making a difference in Valley Stream for nearly two decades.

Meredith Brosnan, the assistant superintendent for business in Valley Stream District 13, was recognized at the town’s Pathfinder Awards ceremony on March 4 at Hempstead Town Hall. She was among 10 recipients, and was nominated by Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Robb-Fund.

Honorees must live or work in the Town of Hempstead. Brosnan has made a difference in two places — on the North Shore where she lives, and on the South Shore where she works.

As the assistant superintendent for business, a position she has held since 1997, Brosnan is responsible for overseeing a budget of nearly $45 million. She also supervises the district’s eight phys. ed. teachers, conducting evaluations and observations, and working on the curriculum, a rare responsibility for a business official.

Brosnan said she enjoys the foray into the academic side of running the school district. “It makes it so much more meaningful,” she said. “You’re not just the bean counter sitting off to the side.”

She also works with the PTA to coordinate the annual Fantastic Four volleyball tournament, a competition of sixth-graders from the district’s four elementary schools. Brosnan noted that the event is popular among the students, and it brings the district together for one night.

Outside of Valley Stream, Brosnan teaches in the educational administration department at LIU Post. Many of her students have gone on to became school and district leaders in the region, including her counterpart in District 30, Lisa Rutkoske.

A resident of Glen Head, Brosnan is president of the North Shore Kiwanis Club, an organization that supports children and teens through various service initiatives. She is the immediate past president of the New York State Association of School Business Officials, representing school financial officials from more than 700 districts.