Thursday, October 1, 2026
Franklin Square has long been home to accomplished educators, and Polk Street School Assistant Principal John Trotta is among them, after being named the 2026 New York State Elementary School Assistant Principal of the Year.
The award, presented annually by the School Administrators Association of New York State, in partnership with the National Association of Elementary School Principals, honors assistant principals who demonstrate excellence in leadership while fostering positive school environments.
For Trotta, who has served in the Franklin Square School District for more than a decade, the recognition reflects years of dedication to education and a career path that did not initially seem likely. He originally entered college intending to pursue accounting before ultimately shifting course.
“My older sister is a teacher, and she definitely encouraged me to take that route,” Trotta said of his sister, Lisa Cairo, who teaches fifth grade in Hewlett-Woodmere School District.
Before becoming assistant principal, Trotta taught sixth grade at Polk Street School until 2016. Moving into an administrative role, he said, allowed him to expand his impact while continuing to work with students and colleagues he had known for years.
Trotta felt drawn to leadership opportunities that would allow him to serve students on a broader scale while still maintaining close relationships within the school community.
“As an assistant principal, I get to see all the kids,” Trotta said. “Seeing them all grow up from kindergarten to sixth graders has been amazing.”
Trotta holds an administrative degree and an advanced graduate certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University, a Master of Science in instructional technology from the New York Institute of Technology, and a doctorate in education administration and supervision from St. John’s University.
A hallmark of Trotta’s leadership has been his focus on student development beyond academics. One of his most notable contributions is the “Better, Not Bigger” initiative, a problem-solving and social-emotional learning program that has become embedded in the school’s culture.
Each year, Trotta works alongside school social worker Christina Luca and school psychologist Kaitlin Scoria to visit classrooms and engage students in discussions focused on mindful decision-making, accountability and thoughtful responses to challenges. The program encourages students to resolve conflicts constructively and take ownership of their actions.
“We are trying to teach them how to support themselves,” Trotta said.
Gilbert Torossian, the school’s principal, said the initiative has made a measurable impact on the school community.
“His ‘Better, Not Bigger’ program has changed the way students see themselves and how they navigate the world,” Torossian said.
Trotta also has introduced programs designed to strengthen connections within the wider community. One example is Polk Street’s annual “Senior Day,” which invites graduating high school seniors who once attended the elementary school to return and connect with younger students and staff.
The event allows current students to meet older peers who once walked the same halls and provides seniors an opportunity to reflect on their early educational experiences.
“It’s a very nostalgic moment for them and really meaningful one for us,” Trotta said.
Upon receiving statewide recognition, Trotta credited his colleagues for making the achievement possible, viewing the honor as a collective accomplishment rather than an individual one. He noted that Torossian submitted what he described as a thoughtful nomination and that Jared Bloom, the school district’s superintendent, provided strong support during the selection process.
Bloom described Trotta as a selfless leader dedicated to students and staff.
“A leader who is constantly giving for the greater good of the organization and our students,” Bloom said.
The selection process for the award is competitive, with candidates nominated from districts across the state and evaluated based on leadership, innovation and demonstrated contributions to school communities. Eligible candidates must be members of the National Association of Secondary School Principals or affiliated state organizations, and recipients are selected from a pool of nominees representing diverse districts and communities.
Trotta and other statewide honorees will be formally recognized on May 1 during an awards ceremony at the Desmond Hotel in Albany.
For Trotta, however, the true reward remains the daily opportunity to work with students and staff in Franklin Square. Even as recognition grows beyond the district, he said his focus remains firmly rooted in Polk Street School and the community he serves.
“Seeing our students grow and succeed is what matters most,” he said.
