Hewlett-Woodmere schools welcome Ralph Marino

For the first time in five years, the Hewlett-Woodmere School District has a new superintendent. Ralph Marino Jr. was sworn in at a special Board of Education meeting on July 1, replacing Dr. Joyce Bisso, who retired from the position after an education career that spanned 25 years.
Marino almost matches that, with nearly two dozen years of experience. Before coming to Hewlett-Woodmere he was the superintendent of the Horseheads Central School District for nine years; the middle and high school principal and the superintendent of the upstate Hunter-Tannersville School District; and, before that, the assistant middle school principal and summer school principal in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District. In addition to his administrative experience, he taught social studies for three years and fourth grade for two years.
Marino said that one of his first priorities in Hewlett-Woodmere would be to acquaint himself with the school community and listen to its concerns. “I believe that for the first six to 12 months, it is important to immerse myself in the culture, climate and traditions that define the district,” he said. “I look forward to getting to know the students, staff, parents and community, and to having them get to know me.”
Looking ahead, Marino said his agenda would also include working with the assistant superintendent for business, Dr. Peter Weber, as well as the Board of Education and district stakeholders, to develop a fiscally responsible 2016-17 budget that maintains and enhances the district’s quality programs and services for students and the community.
Weber said he looked forward to working with Marino. “Over the summer we’ll have the opportunity to share best practices,” Weber said. “It is my expectation that we will seek to weather the changes in regulations, mandates and the tax levy limit while sustaining and enhancing the programs that define our district.”