Babylon UFSD Hires New Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum

The Babylon Union Free School District has hired Carisa Manza as its new assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. Ms. Manza brings nearly 23 years of education experience to the role. She replaces Travis Davey, who is now superintendent of schools for the Fire Island School District.

Ms. Manza got her start in education in 2000 as a high school social studies teacher for the Sewanhaka Central High School District before moving on in 2002 to teach the same subject for the Hauppauge School District. She received her bachelor of arts in social studies education from Stony Brook University, her master of liberal arts degree and diploma in school administration and supervision from Queens College.

“I’ve always liked helping people, and I felt that teaching was a profession that allowed me to do that,” Ms. Manza said. “I’ve always wanted my students to feel comfortable taking risks, and I’ve always wanted to find ways to ensure that every student is able to access the curriculum. To do that, it has been always important to me that I establish positive relationships with students as both people and learners, to set high expectations, and to inspire students to meet those expectations.”

In 2008, Ms. Manza began her transition into the administrative side of education and was hired as assistant principal at Seaford High School in the Seaford Union Free School District. In 2014 she became assistant principal of the Elwood-John H. Glenn High School in the Elwood Union Free School District, and in 2016 became principal of John H. Glenn High School.

“I’ve always wanted every student to meet with success, and when I was able to accomplish that in the classroom my mentors encouraged me to take my model of a safe and rigorous instruction to the building level,” Ms. Manza recalled. “Now, I’d like to take that philosophy to the district level.”

“Ms. Manza has long proven to be an effective building administrator, and I look forward to seeing the ways in which she will maintain and push the Babylon School District’s tradition of academic excellence to new heights,” said Interim Superintendent of Schools Brian Conboy.

For now, Ms. Manza said her first priority will be getting to know her new school community. “I believe that great work can happen when you build strong relationships,” she said. “The sooner I do that, the more work we can accomplish together. I’ve always believed that schools, teachers and district administrators exist to serve the larger community. I’m a servant leader, and I’m here to serve.

For more information about the Babylon Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at www.babylon.k12.ny.us. Exciting activities happening throughout the District and programs celebrating student achievement can also be found on the District’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/babylonschooldistrict/.