Randazzo named Island Park assistant superintendent

Superintendent Bovino indicates her intention to retire in the coming years

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Vincent Randazzo, principal of Lincoln Orens Middle School, has been appointed to the newly reinstated position of assistant superintendent of the Island Park School District. The addition comes as current school Superintendent Dr. Rosmarie Bovino has indicated her intention to retire in the coming years.

“Mr. Randazzo is an extremely talented school leader, and a talented middle school principal,” Dr. Rosmarie Bovino told the Herald. “He’s the right person at the right time. He is so talented, that at some point he would be moving on, so we’re very lucky he’ll be taking his next step forward here in Island Park.”

Randazzo’s four-year tenure at Lincoln Orens Middle School has been short, but prosperous. He introduced programs such as “Student of the Month,” the Core Values system, and created opportunities for students to become involved in robotics at the middle school level.

Randazzo graduated from St. John’s University with a bachelor’s degree, he holds a Master of Science degree from Touro College, an advanced certificate in school district leadership from Queens College and is presently pursuing a doctoral degree in teaching and learning with a concentration in human development and educational psychology.

“In the next two or three years I do plan to retire,” Dr. Bovino said, “I think it’s very important that there’s central office leadership.”

Referring to the burden of managing the district’s $23 million in bonds earmarked for building revitalization and refurbishment projects, as well as Federal Emergency Management Agency storm mitigation work, “Unfortunately, even the most energetic superintendents can’t do it after a while. Even the best superintendents have to retire at some point.”

Bovino who had previously served as principal of the Chinese International School in Hong Kong and later, as director of studies at Friends Academy, came to the Island Park School District more than ten years ago. Under her direction, the district has gained recognition from the New York State Education Department, and was awarded both “Most Improved” and “High Achieving and Gap Closing Schools.” The assistant superintendent position was temporarily eliminated in 2013 due to financial difficulties caused by hurricane Sandy, according to Bovino.

“First thing I want to say is that I am truly thrilled,” Randazzo told the Herald of his recent appointment. “I think it’s an exciting time as we tackle new initiatives through improving our learning practices for our students and teachers.”

He added that he is a firm believer that success is possibility for all students, and that the district is full of dedicated professionals. Of the qualifications for serving as an assistant school superintendent, “I think it requires a leader with extraordinary leadership skills and knowledge that will improve teaching and learning at the schools. I think I’ve proven that I’m a resourceful leader through my time [at Lincoln Orens] and in my career.

“I’ve enjoyed every day as I have served as principal,” he continued. “And I’m honored to continue to serve the community in my new position.”