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Schools

Q&A: New Mandates, Construction Project on MP Superintendent's To-Do List This Year

Recently-made-permanent Superintendent Susan Hodun speaks with Patch about her new, old role.

Even though Susan Hodun was just of the by the board of education, she's no stranger to the task. The former middle school principal has been serving as interim superintendent for the district since May, when she moved up from assistant superintendent of schools. In her newly-made-permenant position, which will be official this summer, Hodun said she's ready to tackle the school's budget, new state and federal mandates and the construction project that's taking place across the district.

What is your first order of business on the schooling level as permanent superintendent? 

The first priority after I was appointed as interim superintendent in May was transitioning into the new position. It required speaking with administrators at all levels in the district and working closely with the board of education to ensure the momentum of current initiatives and continue planning for the future. I also met with representatives of various bargaining units and the clerical staff.  When I am formally appointed superintendent after June 30, the duties and responsibilities will not differ from the work I do on a daily basis right now.  

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What are your plans for the school district this year?

There are many new state and federal mandates that the district is in the process of assuring that we are in compliance with. We are working on the Race to the Top mandates; implementing response to intervention as a means to improve literacy at the elementary level; and the new teacher and principal evaluation tools. We want to continue to attain goals we set for the district, such as improving assessment and Regents testing results and increasing the amount of graduates with Regents diplomas. The space bond construction is well underway with some projects already nearing completion to accommodate our existing space needs and we are looking forward to putting students in these needed classrooms. 

What are some changes that need to be made in the district?

Find out what's happening in Miller Place-Rocky Pointwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We realize the financial challenges of the coming school year are greater than ever before. In order to continue to strive for excellence we are going to have to think creatively in the upcoming budget season.

What's the most enjoyable about being part of the district?

Miller Place is filled with a talented group of educational professionals, which makes it a refreshing environment. It is also reassuring to collaborate with a board of education committed to providing the best education possible to the students of Sound Beach and Miller Place. Everyone who is affiliated with the educational process in Miller Place is completely committed to our common goals of teaching and learning and always keeping the best interests of the students in mind. 

What is the most enjoyable thing about the Miller Place community? 

Over the past 20 years that I have spent working in the Miller Place community, I have found residents to be very supportive of community endeavors. Whether assisting a family in need, honoring members of our armed services, attending memorial ceremonies and school events, or any other challenge requiring the community to band together, Miller Place has a way of working like a family by putting any differences aside in order to support the worthy cause.

What are you looking forward to most about being the superintendent?

I have been involved in many initiatives in my career so far in Miller Place. I’m looking forward to being part of their successful implementation.

What's the most remarkable change you've seen in the district over the years as the Middle School principal and assistant superintendent?

The mandates and graduation requirements at the state and federal level are increasing while financial support decreases, requiring assistance to fund academic support for the students as they strive to reach the goals set by the state education department.

Is there any unfinished business that you have started for the district and would like to continue?

Most of my business is just getting started.

Are you planning any new programs in student activities, sports or academics?

At this time, I believe our goal is to maintain current staffing and programs, both curricular and extra-curricular, while adhering to Commissioner Steiner’s goals of college readiness for all students.

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