Baldwin chief wins award

Dr. Shari L. Camhi, right, took photos of music students for her monthly “shout-out” newsletter.

Baldwin Superintendent Dr. Shari L. Camhi has been recognized by the National School Public Relations Association as a 2016 Superintendent to Watch. The award highlights 25 new superintendents across the nation who use communication technology in innovative and effective ways. Camhi has the rare distinction of being one of two administrators in the state to receive the honor, and the only superintendent from Long Island.

Making a positive impression on the residents of the school district is a source of pride for Camhi, though she credits the residents of Baldwin and the students for the success of her technological initiatives, which included the development of an interactive district website and a mobile app that better inform the public and market the district.

When she was told she was a recipient of the award, Camhi recalled, she felt an overwhelming sense of humility as well as great pride for Baldwin.

“My reaction isn’t a personal one,” she said. “It’s really pride for the community … For me to be recognized as part of the Baldwin school community is really recognition for the whole district. That accomplishment extends beyond me.”

Camhi, the superintendent at Baldwin since September 2014, has been very active in community events and encouraged communication between parents and students. She routinely meets with the student advisory council, and was one of the founders of the Community Coalition of Baldwin.

When Dr. Camhi took over for the retiring James Scannell, she made it a point to introduce newer technologies to the educational system. Once a month, Camhi sends out “shout-outs” that highlight various students and activities and the work that’s being done in the district. She also has a presence on social media. She takes photos around the community highlighting random acts of kindness or things that interest her. Using technology, she is able to better engage both her students and their parents.

The award, she said, will increase Baldwin’s exposure and introduce the district’s initiatives to schools across the country. “I’m thrilled that there will be people from around the country that will recognize Baldwin and our accomplishments,” she said.

Several members of the community wrote letters of support for Camhi and nominated her for the honor. Among them was Baldwin Civic Association President Karen Montalbano, who said she believed the work Camhi was doing in the community made her an ideal candidate.

“From what I can see, she really has been interested in trying to improve the communications not only with the parents in the district but also to all the residents in the district who may not have children in the schools,” Montalbano said. “That’s an important thing, and I think the community coalition was a major step in the right direction.”

Camhi helped create the community coalition shortly after coming to the district. The organization has four goals, all geared toward furthering Baldwin’s cultural and educational success. Camhi’s involvement, Montalbano said, has been instrumental in bringing about positive change throughout Baldwin.

“She’s bringing an enthusiasm, a vision,” Montalbano said. “She realizes that we have to prepare these students for the future, and the future is definitely in the technology.”