Island Park welcomes new assistant superintendent

The Island Park Board of Education appointed Tami McElwee the new assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, assessment and technology. McElwee received her bachelor’s degree in English from Manhattanville College, along with her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Teaching in elementary education. She also earned her certification in school administration and supervision from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. McElwee is currently pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership for diverse learning communities at Molloy University with a completion date of June 2025.

Regarding her new role, McElwee said, “I am looking forward to working with the Island Park community to provide all students with educational experiences and opportunities that prepare and inspire them to positively impact their local and global communities.”

With a career that spans close to 20 years in education, McElwee most recently held the position of director of humanities for grades K through 12 with the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District where she supervised English, library and media centers, social studies, business, and family and home careers. Prior to the last year, she was principal of Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School in the OBEN district for nine years. As principal she supported the academic, emotional and social growth of the school’s student body and provided leadership and supervision to instructional and non-instructional personnel. Among her other many responsibilities, McElwee led both the school-based data team and shared-decision making team, participated in various committees and implemented new programs for students.

Aside from her exceptional leadership abilities, McElwee has a strong background in literacy and social studies. Prior to OBEN, McElwee was a literacy coordinator in the Great Neck School District and was a literacy coach in Valley Stream District 30 and at Francis J. O’Neill Elementary School in Central Islip. She was also named a Gardiner Fellow for the Gardiner Foundation Grant at Molloy University and wrote social studies curriculum for grades K-12.

“I am excited to welcome Ms. McElwee as part of our leadership team,” said Island Park Superintendent of Schools Vincent Randazzo. “Her background and leadership approach provides a great fit for where our district is heading regarding curricular and instructional initiatives.”

Island Park Schools welcomes and congratulates her on her new role and looks forward to her leadership in the 2024-2025 school year.