Lynbrook Begins Search for New Schools Superintendent

A few months before Dr. Santo Barbarino suffered a fatal heart attack, he had told the Lynbrook Board of Education that he intended to retire from his post as superintendent of schools at the end of June 2013.

At that time, according to a spokeswoman for the district, the board contacted Dr. Charles Fowler, president of School Leadership, LLC, a well-known and highly respected executive search firm, and engaged in preliminary discussions regarding a search for a new superintendent.

But the sudden passing of the beloved schools chief, who died on Aug. 27 at the age of 67, has made it necessary for the school board to start their search for his successor much sooner than planned.

During a special business meeting on Sept. 5, the board appointed Assistant Superintendent of Business Dr. Melissa Burak to serve as interim superintendent while they look for a permanent replacement for Dr. Barbarino. 

“Please know that it is our intention to have the community involved in this search process,” stated Board of Education President Cathy Papandrew. 

To maintain an open line of communication with parents and the community, the district is inviting parents and community residents to attend a meeting on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. at Lynbrook High School.

At this meeting, consultants from School Leadership will explain the search process and anticipated timeline. The majority of the meeting will be devoted to listening to the community’s response to the following questions:

• What would attract a highly qualified educator to seek the position of superintendent of schools?
• In your opinion, what are some of the major leadership challenges the new superintendent will face over the next three to five years? 
• What professional qualifications, prior experiences and personal qualities should the new superintendent of schools possess?

The information obtained at this meeting will be developed into a set of search specifications that, once approved by the board, will be used as a guide to conduct the search. If you are unable to attend this meeting, you may complete a brief questionnaire on the district’s website  www.lynbrook.k12.ny.us. You may either return it directly to School Leadership, LLC or to District Clerk Elizabeth Mueller at the district’s administration office located at 111 Atlantic Ave., Lynbrook NY 11563.

The board acknowledged that hiring a new superintendent of schools is the most important responsibility of any Board of Education and thanked residents in advance for their valuable input and participation in this important search process.