Thursday, October 1, 2026
Bert Nelson, the former superintendent of Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools whose career in education spanned more than six decades, died on July 23 at the age of 83.
Nelson led the Hewlett-Woodmere district as superintendent from 1982 to 1998 after rising through nearly every level of district administration. During his 16-year tenure, he helped shape the district’s reputation for academic excellence while championing music and arts education, a commitment that continued throughout his career.
A graduate of Queens College, Nelson earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees there before completing a professional diploma and Doctor of Education degree at Hofstra University. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a career defined by educational leadership and public service.
Nelson began his career as a teacher and school administrator in New York City and Redondo Beach, California. He later joined Queens College as a lecturer in the Department of Education before beginning what would become nearly three decades with Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools.
His career in Hewlett-Woodmere progressed from assistant to the superintendent to assistant superintendent for educational services and administration, deputy superintendent and ultimately superintendent. Under his leadership, the district became known for maintaining rigorous academic standards while placing a strong emphasis on music, arts and educational innovation.
Even after retiring from the district in 1998, Nelson remained deeply involved in public education. From 1998 to 2006, he served as executive administrator of the New York State School Music Association, helping to guide one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to music education.
Beginning in 2000, he also served for more than 20 years as a hearing officer for Long Island school districts, earning a reputation for fairness, thoughtful judgment and professionalism while presiding over educational matters affecting students, families and school districts.
Beyond those roles, Nelson shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at New York University and Hofstra University, served as an educational consultant to the U.S. Office of Education, worked as education director for the New York State Narcotics Addiction Control Commission and served as an impartial hearing officer for special education appeals. He also advised the New York State Education Department through certification panels, leadership workshops and advisory councils.
A respected authority on educational administration, Nelson authored numerous articles on school leadership, finance, personnel and educational policy. His work appeared in publications including “The School Administrator”, “The School Music News”, “NYSSBA Journal”, “New York School Board” and “The New York Times”.
His contributions earned widespread recognition throughout his career. Among his many honors were the Nassau Herald’s Man of the Year award, the National Association for Music Education’s Lowell Mason Fellow distinction, Administrator of the Year and Honorary Life Membership from the Nassau Music Educators Association, and the Sterling Service Medallion and Distinguished Service Award from the New York State School Music Association. He also received the Distinguished Leadership in Arts in Education Award from the New York State Alliance for Arts Education, a Special Recognition Award from the Nassau County Legislature and numerous other state and regional honors.
Nelson was equally committed to professional service. He was active in the American Association of School Administrators, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, MENSA and Phi Delta Kappa. He also served on the Five Towns Community Council Board of Directors, was past president of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents and held leadership positions in several educational organizations across New York.
Colleagues and former students remembered Nelson as an educator whose integrity, humility and dedication inspired generations of teachers, administrators and students. His advocacy for music and arts education, coupled with his unwavering belief in the transformative power of public education, left a lasting imprint on Hewlett-Woodmere and schools throughout New York.
His legacy endures through the countless educators he mentored, the policies he helped shape and the students whose lives were enriched by his lifelong commitment to educational excellence.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Nelson; his children, Rebecca Bauer and her husband, Brian, Adam Nelson and his wife, Jill, and Julie Robeson and her husband, Jim; and his grandchildren, Sadie Nelson, Audrey Bauer, Alex Bauer, Jake Bauer, Charlie Bauer and Jonathan Robeson.
