By Nancy Hiler
His easy smile and comforting demeanor, along with his reputation as a detail-oriented, hands-on, teachers' administrator, seem to be a combination well suited to a kindergarten-through-sixth grade district.
A veteran educator, Goldstein comes to the elementary district with 35 years of teaching and administrative experience, most recently in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, where he served as the assistant superintendent of curriculum for the past six years. "I'm not a stranger to the district, and it's not a stranger to me," Goldstein said. "I love the district and the community."
The North Bellmore Elementary District takes in parts of North Merrick.
Continuing district mission
"Schools reflect the larger culture," Goldstein said, adding that the district's principles are in keeping with his own. "I share the community's values. I am very comfortable with the ideals and values."
Goldstein said he intends to continue the strategic planning work begun under former Superintendent Dominic Mucci last year, a process that culminated in the creation of a district mission statement reflecting the core values of administrators, teachers, parents and the community at large. The mission calls for inspiring students to be "confident, passionate learners" and emphasizes integrity and compassion.
Goldstein said it is important that the district's mission continue to be articulated and embraced consistently. "It becomes a guide for everything you do," he said.
As an example of a similar endeavor, Goldstein cited the comprehensive character education initiative RICE -- respect, impulse control, compassion and equity -- which was implemented under his watch in recent years at Grand Avenue Middle School. "You can't separate academics and character," he said, adding that RICE promotes respect and dignity in much the same way as the North Bellmore district's mission. "Being a good person is more important than being a good student," Goldstein said, "and fortunately, you don't have to choose."
"In everything we do, we can ask, How does it support the mission?" Goldstein explained. "We have that reference. When we're very clear and consistent about what's right, and create a context about what we believe in as a district, and make sure we're consistent [through] regular conversation and good communication at all levels, it seeps down to everyday actions."
Goldstein said that developing ways of measuring progress and consistency throughout the district is a large part of the process. "Progress isn't only test scores," he said.
A teachers' administrator
Goldstein has been an educator for more than 35 years in New York City and Long Island school districts. His own higher education began with a bachelor's in history and education from Long Island University. He later pursued graduate studies at Brooklyn College and Long Island University, earning a master's in history and education from the latter, as well as permanent state certification in educational administration and supervision there.
After his first teaching job in 1972 at Brooklyn Technical High School, Goldstein taught social studies at a number of high schools in Brooklyn and Queens. He was assistant principal of Martin Van Buren High School in Queens Village from 1986 to 1994, and then principal of Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Bayside from 1994 to 1999. From 1999 to 2002, Goldstein served as principal of Jericho High School. He came to the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District as assistant superintendent of instructional services in 2002.
During his tenure in the high school district, he took on many wide-ranging responsibilities. He supervised department heads, including directors of special education, pupil personnel services, athletics and technology. He also developed and managed the budget for instructional and technology services.
In 2006 Goldstein orchestrated the start-up of a new alternative school, the Meadowbrook Alternative Program, for underachieving high school students, a program which by all accounts has already met with much success.
Goldstein has chaired several committees, including the Administrative Council, which comprises assistant superintendents of the high school district's component elementary districts, including North Bellmore. He also chaired the Curriculum Committee, which reviews and recommends new courses; the Professional Development Advisory Committee, which is involved in teacher training; and the district's Committee on Promoting Character, Civility and Social Responsibility.
A safe environment
Goldstein comes to the North Bellmore district just as a $38 million bond issue to address nagging building repair issues is to be put to a vote. "A safe environment is important," said Goldstein. "The quality of the schools reflects the commitment to our kids. That's why people move here or don't move here."
The new superintendent encourages parents and other community members to learn the details of the planned capital improvement program by attending one of several meetings to be held this month at each of the six schools, as well as two bond fairs, which will take place on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Newbridge Road School and on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at Saw Mill Road School.
Comments about this story? NHiler@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 234.
