Hewlett-Woodmere is appointing Richard Snyder as its new assistant superintendent of business operations. Snyder, a certified public accountant and certified School Business Administrator, brings more than two decades of experience from school districts across Long Island. He replaces Charles Carollo, who is transitioning to a role in the Franklin Square School District.
Since 2003, Snyder has helped with school finance, operations, auditing and educational leadership. In his recent role as interim assistant superintendent for finance and operations in the Amityville Union Free School District, Snyder chaired a Budget Advisory Committee that helped establish tax rates and present complex financial data to Amityville’s board of education and the community.
In a written statement to the Herald, District Superintendent Dina Anzalone expressed pleasure with Snyder’s appointment, which was approved at the Hewlett-Woodmere board of education meeting on Feb. 25. She said his transparency and clarity make him a valuable addition to the district as rising costs and economic factors loom.
“Mr. Snyder’s transparent strategic planning exercises and strong record of fiscal oversight will be instrumental in helping us navigate these challenges while continuing to support the high level of educational excellence our community expects,” Anzalone’s statement read.
During his three years in Wyandanch Union Free School District, Snyder was part of a team that helped navigate the aftermath of the pandemic. He helped secure state aid for the 2021-22 school year, increasing the district’s proposed budget and restoring school-based positions cut in early 2020. He also helped increase the district’s fund balances and reserves to 17.34 percent, described in a school district report to the New York State Board of Regents as “significant.”
Snyder began his career in public and private accounting and later served as an external and internal audit manager for Long Island school districts. Earlier in his career, he taught college-level accounting, law and economics at Carey High School. He holds a master’s degree in computer science and a professional diploma in school business administration from Long Island University. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. Joseph’s University New York.
In a written statement, Snyder said he was honored to join Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools and a community that is committed to educational excellence. “In today’s challenging financial climate, thoughtful long-range planning and transparent communication are essential to protecting the programs and opportunities that support student success,” his statement read. “I look forward to working collaboratively with district leadership and the community.”
