Incoming Superintendent Hopes to 'Help District Heal'

This article was posted by Micah Danney. It was reported and written by Rebecca Martelotti, with additional reporting by Micah Danney.

When Maria Rianna becomes superintendent of Glen Cove City Schools July 1, one of her priorities will be to lift morale from where it's sunk after a series of trying circumstances, she said.

"I have a duty to help the district heal from this experience, because it is an emotional one," Rianna said of the test coaching investigation that has created rifts in the community and seen rumors spread with few solid answers available.

Despite any allegations, Rianna said her perception is that district teachers are "extremely dedicated" educators. She said she wants to focus on positive things, with a renewed focus on students who she said are under considerable pressure as initiatives get handed down by the state.

"It's important to provide students under pressure with emotional support," she said.

Rianna is balancing the transition with her full-time duties as assistant superintendent for instruction and administration in the Smithtown School District, where she has been for two years. Prior to that position, she spent 11 years as deputy superintendent of the Port Jefferson School District.

Since the Glen Cove Board of Education approved her for a three-year contract in February, Rianna has been attending Board meetings and community events, as well as working directly with district administrators to become familiar with the issues they are dealing with, she said.

The Board was unanimous in its decision that Rianna was the right choice. Bob Freier of District Wise Search Consultants, the firm hired to select candidates for the position, said her experience with curriculum and business matters made her a strong choice for the job.

"Rianna presented her vision for the district and it was an instant click," Freier said.

She was picked after the pool was narrowed to two candidates. At her previous school districts, Rianna said she worked closely with teachers to write curriculum, implant new common core standards and enhance the use of technology in classrooms. She also said she increased the number of students who received Regents diplomas "with distinction" and found alternate sources of funding in order to better meet the financial challenges of those districts.

In Port Jefferson, Rianna was in charge of recruitment of teachers and was involved with capital projects. At her present post in Smithtown, she is in charge of all aspects of the K-12 instructional program in a district made up of 13 schools. There she has participated in labor agreement negotiations and creation and supervision of school budgets.

Rianna said she has been made well aware of the reputation of Kevin Wurtz, Glen Cove's deputy superintendent for business whose contract was not renewed for the first time in a decade. She said her own strength in handling financial matters won't replace the talent Wurtz has brought to the district, but that he has been helpful during the transition.

"He has extended only positive support," Rianna said.

Board member Gail Nedbor-Gross said she has high hopes for Rianna's arrival.

"With her vast experiences in education and administration, coupled with her ability to effectively work with staff, students, parents and the community, I believe she will bring much success to this district and look forward to her being here very soon," said Nedbor-Gross.

Rianna said she has plans to continue meeting with different community groups as the date of her transition nears, and hopes to hear from residents.

"I welcome any help I can gather as to what their needs are," she said.