B-BP HS Principal Tapped for District Curriculum Chief Role

Bayport-Blue Point High School Principal Dr. Timothy Hearney will take on the role of assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction as of July 1, according to a press release issued by the district Wednesday.

Hearney, who has served as principal for five years, will replace Interim Assistant Superintendent Miriam Flynn who was hired on last year. The B-BP Board of Education approved the job move during its board meeting Tuesday night.

According to a yet-to-be ratified three-year contract posted on the district’s website, Hearney will earn $188,000 annually for the first two years of his contract, with a salary review to determine the third year compensation. His current salary principal, as of July 1, would have been $175,000.

District Superintendent Dr. Vincent Butera told Patch in an email that multiple internal candidates were identified for the position. He also stated during Tuesday’s BOE meeting that the zero salary increase in the second year of Hearney's contract reflects the district's commitment to making mindful and prudent financial decisions.

“We feel very fortunate to have found our new assistant superintendent within the current fabric of our administrative team,” stated Butera in a press release issued by the district Wednesday.

“Dr. Hearney has been an integral part of the school district, and during his time here has clearly demonstrated that he possess a finely tuned skill set to assist in preparing our students for college and careers. His accomplished track record for raising the bar speaks highly and directly to his belief that all students be provided with opportunities and high expectations.” 

During Hearney’s tenure, the high school’s Advanced Regents diploma rate has increased to over 70 percent, and there have been notable successes within the school’s Advanced Placement program, according to district officials. The number of AP exams administered has increased from 167 to more than 360; the number of AP students has increased from 106 to 204; and the number of AP Scholars has increased from 39 to 64, with five students being named National AP Scholars earlier this year.

Hearney has also been instrumental in boosting the instructional program, as more than 20 high-level courses spanning all curricular areas have been added to the high school program and an increased percentage of students are electing to take a fourth year of science and math instruction. New York State Education Commissioner Dr. John B. King Jr. named Bayport-Blue Point High School a 2012 Reward School. 

“I am very thankful to the Board of Education and Dr. Butera for the opportunity to work in this new capacity within the district,” stated Hearney.

“I know firsthand the quality instructors we have within BBP, having worked alongside many of them at the high school for the past five years, and look forward to raising our already-high expectations in order to continue to move the district forward.”

In his impending new role, Hearney said he will strive to achieve the same level of success he attained as a principal.

“I will work collaboratively with the superintendent, building administrators and faculty to ensure the development of a guaranteed and viable curriculum that challenges all students,” he told Patch in an email. He also intends to focus efforts on providing targeted and “meaningful” professional development.

“The end goal will be to make sure that our students are college and career ready not only cognitively, but socially and emotionally as well," he wrote.

Prior to joining the district B-BP in 2008, Hearney worked in the Islip Public School District for eight years, serving in a number of administrative positions. He has worked as an adjunct professor at St. John’s University’s Oakdale Campus and in the area of special education at Western Suffolk BOCES.

He is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the School Administrators Association of New York State, the Council for Exceptional Children and the Council of Administrators of Special Education.

He  holds a doctorate in educational leadership and accountability from St. John’s University, a professional diploma in educational leadership and administration and a Master of Science in education, special education from LIU Post, and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from SUNY Albany.