By: Hector Flores
Mucci, of Long Beach, served as an assistant superintendent in Mineola and superintendent in the Springs Union Free School District, and was selected through a comprehensive search, said board Trustee Irma Wilk.
"Mr. Mucci was the best for the district," she said. "And I think we made a good choice."
According to newly elected board President Charles Reinhard, the Board of Education was impressed by Mucci's sincerity and knowledge of education. Most important, he patiently answered community members' questions.
James Parla, former district superintendent, was pleased with the district's decision and welcomed Mucci and told him if there was anything he needed, all he had to do was pick up the phone and ask.
Mucci was touched by the overwhelming support and said that he looks forward to assuming his new role. "I'm psyched and truly fortunate to have the opportunity to work in North Bellmore," Mucci added. "I don't know if people are aware of the district's top-notch reputation, but I'm the lucky one here."
Mucci explained that the North Bellmore School District is known for having a great teaching staff, supportive community, solid relationship with the other three component Bellmore-Merrick component elementary districts, and amazing bond among administrators, teachers, custodians and clerical staff. "They all get along," he said.
"The North Bellmore School Board is a cohesive group," he added. "No one has an agenda, and that is something that attracted me here."
Mucci's education background includes: a bachelor's degree in American studies from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., in 1974; a certificate in graduate studies in education from Russell Sage College in 1976; and a master's in education and administration/supervision and curriculum studies certificate from the State University College at Plattsburgh. And he is now working on his doctorate in administration from St. John's University.
As an assistant superintendent in Mineola, Mucci established staff evaluations that ensured teachers were equipped with the best educational practices available today. However, it was his tenure as a superintendent for the Springs Union Free School District in East Hampton, from August 1999 to August 2002, that he values most.
"It was a terrific experience for me, and for the district," he said, "given the fact that our three bargaining units were without a contract for over a year."
As superintendent, some of his accomplishments included:
¥Bringing a building addition in on time and under budget.
¥Helping write three budgets with a three-year annual average increase of less than 5 percent in the tax levy.
¥Successfully negotiating with three bargaining units.
¥Establishing a daily morning program for inclusion of special-education students.
¥Improving communication between school and homes through a Web site, district newsletter and superintendent's home visits.
¥And increasing the opportunity for students to pursue Regents course work in earth science and Mathematics A.
Mucci added that because of the district's revision of its language-arts program, Springs was recognized by the state Education Department.
"We were recognized as one of the most-improved schools on Long Island," Mucci said. "I think the achievement that gave me the most satisfaction was the progress we made in developing a culture of self-reflection as educators and practitioners. We had a team of educators working towards the same goal...creating the best school possible for the children we served."
