New curriculum chief hired in H-W

The lead administrative team for the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools once Superintendent Dr. Les Omotani's retirement takes affect on July 1 is now in place.

The replacement for current Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Dr. Joan Bisso, who will be taking over as superintendent on July 1, is Laurie Singer Seinfeld, who was unanimously approved by the Hewlett-Woodmere school board at its Jan. 20 meeting. Seinfeld will become Hewlett-Woodmere's curriculum chief after serving the last five years in the same role in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District.

Seinfeld's hiring came after an extensive and inclusive recruitment, screening and selection process by a representative committee comprised of Hewlett-Woodmere administrators, teachers and parents, district officials said. “Ms. Seinfeld’s extensive administrative background as both an assistant superintendent and director of curriculum, combined with her years as a classroom teacher, make her an excellent choice to supervise all aspects of curriculum and instruction for our district,” said Dr. Bisso in a statement. “She has demonstrated a highly collaborative leadership style and will become a valued and instrumental member of our District Leadership Team."

Seinfeld's arrival as District 14's curriculum chief will be a bit of a homecoming for the longtime administrator, who previously served five years as a department chairperson for English Language Arts at Woodmere Middle School. She grew up in Rosedale, Queens, only a few blocks from the North Woodmere border.

Seinfeld said when she takes over her duties on July 1 her first priority will be to meet with as many stake-holders as possible and listen to what goals they have for the district. She said her five positive years at Woodmere Middle School were a big factor in her decision to return to the district. “I got a sense that it is a community of learners,” she said. “The familiarity will help me a great deal.”

In addition to her roles in Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District and at Woodmere Middle School, Seinfeld's 14 years of administrative experience has also included serving as director of curriculum in the Smithtown school district. She is currently the president of the Long Island Association for Curriculum Development and an executive board member of the Nassau Association of District Curriculum Officials. Since 2007 she has been a Doctoral Fellow in the Doctoral Program at Hofstra University.

"My previous experience in Hewlett-Woodmere, and two other Long Island school districts has served me very well in preparing for this important leadership role,” said Seinfeld. "I very much look forward to joining the outstanding leadership team to both continue and grow the educational programs in order to best serve all students’ intellectual, social and academic needs."

Dr. Bisso and previous Hewlett-Woodmere curriculum chief Susan Pratt have not been fans of the state’s heavy emphasis on standardized testing and Seinfeld agrees that other factors need to be considered when determining a student’s progress. “I do believe that the assessments are just one measure,” said Seinfeld. “I do believe in looking at the whole child.”

"We are confident that Ms. Seinfeld will work tirelessly as an outstanding educational leader for our committed staff, supportive parents and capable students," said Dr. Bisso.