New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Administrator Honored with Leadership and Support Award

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James Svendsen

ALBANY, NY (03/30/2023) (readMedia)-- ALBANY, NY – James Svendsen, director of curriculum and instruction for the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School District, has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the Leadership and Support Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). The SAANYS Leadership and Support Award was established to recognize the outstanding leadership efforts of those members whose responsibilities require leadership through support services to educators and students across and between school buildings and districts.

Prior to transitioning to his current role in the central office, Svendsen served as principal of the Garden City Park School. He notes that "being a principal for 15 years has been one of my most significant accomplishments. ln a K-6 school, it is amazing to watch kindergartners grow into young people when they leave at the end of 6th grade. I feel like the impact of our K-6 time with students on student learning and development is important for their entire life."

Svendsen then took on the role of director of curriculum, instruction & technology, which then became his current position of director of curriculum and instruction. At around the same time that he moved into his new position, he says there were "four brand new principals opening up our four buildings." Svendsen notes that he considers "working with and mentoring these new administrators as another accomplishment in my career."

In addition, Svendsen's leadership and support accomplishments have included co-authoring the Annual Professional Performance Review Plan, implementing a Fact Fluency Plan using FASTT Math and Fraction Nation for grades 2-6, and implementing a writing workshop for K-6 to support Common Core Learning Standards. He also coordinates all district professional development, which includes superintendent's conference days, monthly two-hour PD sessions, new teacher orientation, Model Schools technology integration PD, and other new programs as he sees a need.

Jennifer Morrison-Raptis, Ed.D., superintendent of schools for the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Union Free School District says "Mr. Svendsen was a key leader in the reopening of schools throughout the pandemic. He helped write the Reopening Plan and contributed to and participated in administrative meetings and committees pertaining to keeping our students and staff safe. Mr. Svendsen worked with central office and building administrators to prepare for a safe school opening amidst COVID regulations." She adds that he is "an educational leader who promotes the success of every student by acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner."

Fabayo Mclntosh, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for Valley Stream UFSD 13, says that Svendsen's "skill set is impressive. Not many people are successful at both district and building leadership. The impact that his work, both directly and indirectly, will have and has had on the lives of young people is inspiring." In addition, McIntosh says, Svendsen "has a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to share resources. I am a better leader because he is my mentor."

Kim LaRegina, New Hyde Park Road School principal, says Svendsen's "leadership and mentorship of new teachers and administrators have been a tremendous asset to the staff and community in the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School District." She adds that his "forward thinking has truly changed the landscape of the curriculum and instruction in the district."

Svendsen has been with the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School District for 22 years and has been active in education in the state of New York since 1989. He received his bachelor of arts, master of science, and an advanced certificate in School Administration and Supervision from Brooklyn College.

Svendsen and fellow 2023 award winners will be recognized at SAANYS' annual awards celebration, taking place on May 5 at the Crown Plaza Albany - Desmond Hotel.

SAANYS represents over 14,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).