By Andrew Hackmack
Dr. Anthony Singe will serve as interim superintendent for the remainder of the school year, bringing with him 43 years of experience in education.
Longtime Superintendent Lawrence McGoldrick retired last month after leading the district since the early 1990s. Singe, the former superintendent of the Locust Valley School District, knows McGoldrick well. "He's left the school district in a very strong position academically and in terms of fiscal management," Singe said. "It is nice to have an opportunity to follow him and continue the good work that he's been doing."
Singe, who started work in Valley Stream on Oct. 1, began his career as a high school social studies teacher in upstate Utica, where he grew up. His first administrative position was coordinator of urban education for the City of Utica School District.
In 1983, Singe became a superintendent for the first time, promoted from assistant superintendent in the Niskayuna School District in the capital region. He followed that with two decade-long stints as superintendent, first in Danbury, Conn., and then Locust Valley.
Singe retired in 2006, though he refers to it as "semi-retirement." He worked as a consultant for the International Center for Leadership in Education before being tapped to serve as the interim schools chief in Valley Stream. "I'm pleased to be able to help this school district out during the transition," he said.
Board of Education President Dr. Maria Fletcher said that in searching for an interim superintendent, what stood out most about Singe was his experience and his ability to be a "calming influence." "He has proven himself to be a leader," Fletcher said. "We have extreme faith in him that he will continue to move our district forward."
While Singe said his years of working in public education have gone by quickly, he has seen many changes. Educators know more about good teaching practices than they did four decades ago, he explained, adding that advances in technology have led to new and innovative ways to teach children. And the expectations for students are a lot higher in an ever more complex society and a global economy. "Schools are expected to respond to that," Singe said.
Society has become more diverse, and so have schools, he said. With an increase in cultural and linguistic diversity, schools have had to adjust their programs to accommodate these needs.
Singe said he is looking forward to leading a district with a good reputation. Distrit 30 teachers and administrators are committed to providing a nurturing environment for students, he said, and the district and community have a good relationship.
Additionally, Singe said, the Board of Education is very supportive, providing the resources necessary to educate children while keeping the best interests of taxpayers in mind. "You have all the elements and ingredients of an outstanding school system," he said. "This is a very attractive opportunity for a long-term superintendent to come in."
Fletcher said the stability that McGoldrick brought to the district during his 16 years as superintendent was invaluable. In searching for a replacement, board members wanted to find someone they believed would bring similar continuity. That was why, Fletcher said, they chose to bring in an interim superintendent. "We're not going to rush into picking someone," she said. "We want someone who will be here for a long time."
Fletcher added that stability at the top leads to stability throughout the district.
As the board begins its search, Singe said he is willing to offer any support he can. While the board is responsible for conducting the search and ultimately choosing the next superintendent, Singe can guide it, suggesting qualities board members need to look for in their next leader. He can also meet with potential candidates and help familiarize them with the school district and community.
Singe said he prides himself on being visible in the schools. District 30 has three elementary buildings in addition to the kindergarten center, and he welcomes the opportunity to visit classrooms and attend school functions.
Fletcher said that in just two weeks, Singe has taken every opportunity he could to visit the schools and get to know the district. His dedication, she said, proves that the board made the right selection.
Singe earned an undergraduate degree from Westminster College in Pennsylvania, a master's from Northeastern Illinois University and his doctorate from the University of Connecticut. He recently celebrated his 38th anniversary with his wife, Ninette. They have two sons - Anthony, a personal trainer, and Michael, a special education teacher in the New York City school system.
Now that he is back in the superintendent's seat, Singe said, it feels as if he never left. As the search for a new leader gets under way, Singe looks forward to providing stability and continuity. "I'm excited to be here," he said. "I hope that during this transition period, those years of experience will help benefit this district."
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