Franklin Square names new superintendent

After a three-month superintendent search, Dr. Jared Bloom was appointed as the new Franklin Square School District superintendent, Board of Education President Stephen Toto announced at the May 7 board meeting.

Rainier Melucci, the interim superintendent who was brought in after Patrick Manley’s death, led the search for his replacement and said Bloom was the ideal person for the position.

“The community wanted someone with an education background who’s worked as either a superintendent or an assistant superintendent,” Melucci said, “and Dr. Bloom’s work as an assistant superintendent in South Huntington speaks for itself.”

Bloom, 42, studied English at SUNY Empire State College and earned a master’s degree in secondary English at Hofstra University in 2003, where he went on to become an adjunct instructor. He then traveled to Minnesota to earn his doctorate in Leadership in Educational Administration from Capella University in 2008, and began working as the district administrator of instructional technology and English language arts in the Deer Park School District.

Bloom moved to the South Huntington School District, where he has served as the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for the past five years, pushing for innovations in the district’s science, technology, engineering and math programs. In 2017, the Western Suffolk BOCES named Bloom “Administrator of the Year” for his leadership in South Huntington. Bloom said he was thrilled to join the Franklin Square community and eager to put his skills to the test when it comes to budgeting.

“I was very involved in the budget at South Huntington … and I’ve brought in about $2.5 million through competitive grants,” Bloom said. “My skill set involves looking at creative sources to fund districts so that they can sustain and expand their programs.”

Melucci said that of the 45 applicants interested in heading the Franklin Square School District, he interviewed 25 and eventually presented six qualified individuals to the Board of Education. The trustees then met with the candidates, and he said Bloom stood out as one of two individuals who would be a good fit for the district. After Bloom met with school administrators, parents, teachers and staff members during the final interview process, the groups unanimously decided to appoint him as superintendent. Melucci, who has years of experience in school administration and has previously served as president of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents, said Franklin Square residents will be in good hands with Bloom.

“He’s bright, energetic and has a lot of good ideas,” Melucci said. “I’m confident he will do a great job”

Bloom will start his new position on July 1.