Tom Dolan connects with students, parents

“In fifth grade I got 100 on the social studies test and I knew from that moment on that I wanted to be a social studies teacher,” said 45-year-long educator and Sewanhaka Central High School District Interim Superintendent Thomas Dolan.

Dolan’s journey through the field of education began in 1978, from teaching the articles of history as a social studies teacher to the decision making of school administration. His favorite memory through the years of working with students has been coaching sports teams.

Dolan got his bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College in 1978, with a double major in psychology and history. He finished his collegiate education in three and a half years, moving quickly as his wife and he paid his way through college.

Later, Dolan received two master’s degrees from Queens College. One was in social studies education in 1983, the other in school administration in 1990. Eventually he earned his doctorate from Hofstra University in 2000 in administration and policy studies.

When he was working as a social studies teacher in Hewlett-Woodmere, the assistant superintendent Ray Walters suggested Dolan work in school administration.

”I told him I was absolutely not interested, because I wanted to stay in the classroom,” Dolan said. “But then I thought about it a little bit and saw an opportunity to expand my opportunities to work with people and I went back to school.”

Dolan has worn many hats as an educator. At various schools, he has been a dean of students, director of an alternative school, administrative assistant to the superintendent, director of personnel, principal, assistant superintendent, director of pupil personnel services, superintendent and president of a community college.

Now in his fifth time serving as a superintendent, Dolan looks forward to continuing the programs and initiatives set in place by his retired predecessor at Sewanhaka, James Grossane.

“Dr. Grossane began a program of expanding course offerings to students that we will continue,” Dolan said.

Dolan has yet to decide what specific areas he’d like to focus on in the district in his current role as interim superintendent.

“I’m still in my data collection mode,” Dolan said. “Still learning.”

Right now he’s focused on getting to know the district and the individuals that make up the district: staff, parents and students.

“I’m anxious to re-acquaint myself with all those constituencies,” Dolan said.

His favorite memory is working with students directly when coaching sports, namely girl’s soccer, boy’s baseball and girl’s basketball.

“I see coaching as just a great informal way to teach,” Dolan said. “Those are some of my best memories.”

In the school districts he’s been involved with throughout his career, Dolan said he loves getting involved with parents through parent teacher associations, booster groups or even parent-teacher conferences.

“The difficult conversations that sometimes take place with parents that can help a child,” Dolan said. “I don’t look forward to those, but I look at it as a chance to help a kid.”

One of the things he plans to do in this position is assist the Sewanhaka school district board of education with finding its next permanent superintendent. So far the board has made formal requests for proposals to several personnel firms, but hasn’t chosen a firm nor come up with a slate of candidates.

“We are grateful for Dr. Dolan’s commitment to our schools and students, and to the experience he brings,” said William Leder, president of the Sewanhaka Central High School District Board of Education. “He will remain our superintendent for the duration of our search and has agreed to assist throughout the process, when necessary."