Dr. Robert Dillon installed as BOCES sup't

Former East Meadow schools chief vows to take a hard look at Common Core

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Nassau BOCES installed former East Meadow School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Dillon as its new district superintendent at a board meeting on Aug. 20.

Dillon, 64, who lives in Walden in Orange County, has 35 years of educational experience, spending more than 20 of them as an administrator. He led the East Meadow School District from 1999 to 2007, and was superintendent of the Eastport-South Manor Central School District from 1992 to 1999.

During an interview with the Herald last week, Dillon said one of his biggest priorities will be to take a close look at the state-mandated Common Core State Standards, which has met heavy criticism from educators and parents statewide. “Regionally, we have to look at the high stakes testing,” Dillon said. “And certainly try to calm it and bring some common sense to the Common Core.”

Nassau BOCES — short for Board of Cooperative Educational Services — provides educational services for 56 school districts. It is the largest of 37 BOCES in New York. Its superintendent serves as a liaison between state education officials and regional school districts.

More recently, Dillon served as the executive director of REFIT, which advocates for adequate funding for public school districts statewide, and held a similar position in the Mid-Hudson School Study Council, which represents districts upstate. Dillon said he will resign from both positions upon his hiring at BOCES.

His initial goal, Dillon said, is to “take a look at what we have and what we need to put together a plan that makes sense for the teachers, and for accountability, and for the kids. I look forward to it. It’s going to be a great opportunity and a challenge.”

He holds a Doctorate in educational administration from St. John’s University, a master’s degree in special education from the College of New Rochelle and a bachelor’s degree in history from St. John’s University.

“Dr. Dillon brings a wealth of leadership experience and an understanding of current educational issues,” said Board President Eric B. Schultz. “In addition, as a former Nassau County superintendent, he understands how Nassau BOCES works hand in hand with our districts.”