Huntington Superintendent Announces Retirement With 'Mixed Emotions'

HUNTINGTON, NY — Jim Polansky, superintendent of the Huntington School District, announced he plans to retire on Sept. 1.

Polansky, in a letter to the Huntington school board, wrote he has "mixed emotions" as he closes the book on 33 years in the education sector.

"After considerable soul-searching, I have determined that it is time for me to transition into the next stage," Polansky wrote. "This comes with equal parts excitement and sorrow, the latter primarily because the Huntington School District community has been a major part of my life for the past 12 years."

Polansky said he is "honored" to have worked with a "tremendously passionate and talented" staff during his tenure.

"I am equally as honored to have played even a small part in the lives of Huntington students and their families," he said. "It has been a true privilege to be in district long enough to witness the growth of so many young and reticent primary school children into dedicated, driven, caring and compassionate young adults."

Polansky was the principal of Walt Whitman High School in the South Huntington District for six years. He succeeded John J. Finello as the Huntington superintendent in July 2011.

Polansky turned a school troubled by complaints and fears over crime in the neighborhood into the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School, which opened in September 2013, Huntington Now reported. Full-day kindergarten was also brought back to the district under Polansky, according to Huntington Now.

Polansky graduated from SUNY Albany and earned a Master of Business Administration degree at Hofstra University, according to Huntington Now. He earned his advanced graduate certificate in educational administration at SUNY at Stony Brook.

Polansky thanked all trustees — past and present — and said Huntington schools have come a long way since 2011.

"We have navigated the ever-changing educational climate and worked as a team throughout," he wrote. "I am beyond grateful to you for the privilege of serving the Huntington community, as it has been among the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences of my life. I thank you for placing your trust in me to help lead our district through its successes and challenges. I can only hope that I have made a positive mark on the district that is even a fraction of the size of the mark it has left on me."

Polansky said his retirement was contingent on things he would like to "see through" before he left, but he realized there will always be something that needs attention. The outgoing superintendent said he will retire knowing the school district is in good hands with the board of education, administrative team, teachers, and staff who "routinely go above and beyond."

"Huntington will forever be a part of me and I will remain among the Blue Devil faithful for all time. I thank you again for your partnership, support and friendship."