Board of Ed Appoints New Superintendent

Richard S. Rozakis will become new Superintendent of Babylon Schools, effective July 1 this year.

Currently Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, Rozakis was the final selection from 55 candidates that were considered by the Babylon Board of Education (BOE) and the consulting firm they contracted for the process.

Board vice president and trustee Roger Katz said he was impressed with Rozakis's manner: "He was forthright, direct, well-informed, and focused," he remarked. The search was country-wide, with candidates from all over the Northeast and as far away as Michigan.

According to a press release issued by Board of Education President Dominic P. Bencivenga, Rozakis previously was principal of North Shore High School in Glen Head, assistant principal of New Hyde Park Memorial High School in the Sewanhaka Central School District, and social studies teacher, social studies chairperson and social studies district coordinator also in the Sewanhaka Central School District. 

“We are confident that Mr. Rozakis possesses the vision, professional qualifications and leadership skills to lead our school district to even greater achievements,” said Board of Education President Dominic P. Bencivenga in the press release.

“The Board of Education looks forward to working with Mr. Rozakis to chart the future success of our students and our school district. The Board also would like to extend its appreciation to Dr. Peter R. Daly, who is currently serving as Interim Superintendent, for his leadership during this transition period.”

The new superintendent greeted community members, teachers, and parents at Monday night's BOE meeting. There will be an introductory reception after the Board of Education work study session at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 23.

Rozakis was quoted in the BOE release as stating, “I am extremely pleased to be joining the Babylon school district. I am very much looking forward to working with the administration, teachers, staff and school community to build on Babylon’s many successes and continue to ensure that all of our children are college and career ready when they leave high school."

Rozakis holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in secondary education from Hofstra University, as well as New York State certification as a school administrator and supervisor, and as a school district administrator, from Long Island University at C.W. Post.