By Mike Caputo
Hewlett-Woodmere District 14 recently revamped its Community Services Department into the Community Education and Services Department, a move that officials have touted as an effort to open more doors to all residents. Jim Hennessy, who was appointed executive coordinator of the department at the Aug. 14 Board of Education meeting, portrayed the district's inspiration to make the change as a way to "keep the lights on" for the community.
"Schools aren't open just for 7:30 in the morning to three o'clock in the afternoon," Hennessy said. "We all believe that people are lifelong learners and the schools are open to everybody in the district whether you are a student or a senior citizen."
Hennessy credited the department's transformation to Superintendent Dr. Les Omotani and his visions of a "lighted schoolhouse" for all district residents. Community services have been available to residents before the change, but Hennessy and Omotani described it as an enhancement.
"The mission of our new Community Education and Services Department is to design and provide high-quality learning experiences for all residents of Hewlett-Woodmere to enhance the strength and vibrancy of our community," Omotani said. "This initiative celebrates the significant role of schools as the foundation of our community."
Communication is a major characteristic of the department's first initiative, known as a "needs assessment." The aim of the assessment is to determine the programs and events, such as a history or a dance course, that residents would be interested in participating, said Hennessy. Assessment results will be tabulated from a survey, to be sent out to all district residents in the near future.
The district is "really expanding the program so that everybody in the district can open up the catalog and find something they can take part in," Hennessy said.
Furthermore, Hennessy explained that community input is an essential feature of the department, and will be represented in a soon-to-be-formed community services advisory council.
Hennessy enters his new position carrying years of experience in community involvement. Beyond his past jobs in the district as a social studies teacher at George W. Hewlett High School and lead teacher of the District's Alternative Learning Program, Hennessy also serves as a councilman for the City of Long Beach. He was president of the Long Beach City Council for two years.
Hennessy emphasized the importance of informing all district residents, not just current students and parents, of what is available to them, especially since they contribute through taxes.
"Everybody pays school taxes," Hennessy said. "We want to make it so everybody in the district has the opportunity to take advantage of something the school district can offer."
Comments about this story? MCaputo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 210.
