Maria Rianna attended her first Board of Education meeting as superintendent of the Malverne school district on July 8. She took over the role on July 3, following Lorna Lewis’s retirement after five years in the position.
“I’m getting to know the people and some of the traditional procedures,” Rianna said. “So far, everyone has helped in this transition, helping me get the information that I need so I’m able to support them.”
Rianna, 65, was appointed to the position in January, and signed a three-year contract with the district, for an annual salary of $262,000, after her unanimous approval by the school board. Her hiring followed a lengthy search that included board consultations with community members and parents through surveys and meetings, as well as several rounds of interviews with the top three candidates.
“The board is thrilled to have Rianna join us,” board President Josephine Bottitta said. “She comes with extensive experience, and I think she’s going to be a perfect match with our administration, our district’s faculty, community, and really take us forward.”
The district sought a leader willing to make a long-term commitment to Malverne schools, who was strong on curriculum, embraced diversity, was a transparent communicator and had experience navigating complex district budgets. Former board President Jeanne D’Esposito told the Herald in January that she believed Rianna met all of those requirements.
“We look forward to a smooth transition in which we don’t lose a step,” Bottitta said.
Rianna began her career as a special-education teacher in Patchouge-Medford schools before working her way up through various administrative positions across several districts. She served as deputy superintendent of the Port Jefferson district and assistant superintendent in Smithtown before becoming superintendent in Glen Cove, where she spent 12 years.
“Rianna left a legacy in Glen Cove, working alongside the assistant superintendent for business, Victoria Galante, to make sure that the finances of the district were secure,” Alexa Doeschner, who succeeds Rianna as superintendent in Glen Cove, told the Herald. Doeschner was appointed after working alongside Rianna as assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and technology for 10 years.
In Glen Cove, Rianna enhanced the curriculum and implemented professional development programs that helped increase the district’s graduation rate from 74 to 90 percent. She secured grant funding, introduced new educational programs and enhanced district facilities.
“Rianna focused on the improvement of facilities, passing a $30.5 million bond in 2022,” Doeschner said. “That was a huge accomplishment for Rianna, as the bond allowed the district to work on classrooms, air conditioning and athletic facilities, including the turf field and the tennis court complex.”
Bottitta highlighted Rianna’s financial experience, which may prove crucial given potential cuts by the state to future education budgets. “We selected Rianna for her experience and skill in maintaining a cost-efficient school operation,” Bottitta said.
Doeschner not only complimented Rianna’s financial accomplishments in Glen Cove, but also commended her commitment to open communication with the student body and her long-term dedication to the community.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the students, understanding our practices and really reaching out to the community,” Rianna said of Malverne. She said she planned to meet in the near future with district schools’ leadership and committees, as well as community groups. “This is a very important piece when it comes to serving the district in an effective, appropriate manner,” she added.
She has already introduced herself to the Malverne community. Before the March 11 board meeting, she took part in a Q&A with district residents in which parents asked her about her commitment to expanding students’ educational and career opportunities, as well as the district’s five-year plan.
At that board meeting, Lewis, who had committed to spending five years with the district after taking on the role of superintendent in 2020, presented “Vision 2030: Roadmap to Success.” A school committee consisting of parents, teachers, administrators and board members developed this five-year strategic plan following two years of research and preparation. The plan highlights diversity and inclusion, community partnerships, enhanced curriculum and learning, holistic student support and improved facilities as paths to increased success in the district.
“We’re going to look at what has been done, and my job is to complete those priorities as well as look at all the aspects of the district and see if there are other items we want to incorporate in the next five years,” Rianna said.
“We’re excited to welcome her to the district,” Camille Emeagwali, Central Council PTA president, told the Herald in March. “She demonstrated that she’s interested in learning more about who we are and how she can get acclimated. We look forward to seeing more.”
