Commack Schools Appoint New Assistant Superintendent

The Commack Union Free School District Board of Education has named Timothy J. Russo its new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. He will be filling the position vacated by Dr. Jordan Cox, who has been selected to be Commack’s new Superintendent of Schools. In addition to Mr. Russo, Evelyn Cardenas, Amy Nicole Martin, and Jeanne Marie Powers have been selected as assistant principals of Sawmill Intermediate School, Commack Middle School and Burr Intermediate School, respectively.

“These educators have excellent qualifications and proven accomplishments in the classroom and in administration. After interviewing and researching a number of candidates for these positions, we are confident that they will be a welcome addition to our District’s administrative team,” said Steven Hartman, President of the Commack Board of Education. “We are looking forward to see how they will complement our already innovative academic programs and the children in our schools.”

“I am confident that Mr. Russo will collaborate with our educators to further develop and enhance innovative opportunities and curriculum for our students,” stated Dr. Cox. “His vast experience is a valuable asset for our District and I look forward to working closely with him in the future.” He continued, “The assistant principals are integral members of our student support teams, as well as their assistance in helping to fulfill the myriad duties of our principals. All of us will work together ensure a successful experience and future for our precious children.”

“We are grateful that these talented and devoted educators have accepted these important positions in the District,” said David Flatley, Interim Superintendent. “Their roles are vital to support our students both academically and emotionally as we get back to normalcy in our day-to-day teaching and learning during these unprecedented times in our schools.”

Mr. Russo currently serves as the principal at Harborfields High School, where he is responsible for the coordination of curriculum, staff observations and supervision of all departments. He works extensively with various committees and has deep insight into all matters concerning social and emotional learning, diversity, equity and inclusion, counseling, strategic planning, and the NYS Seal of Biliteracy, among many others. A graduate of Marist College, with a Masters from Dowling and advanced certification from Long Island University, Mr. Russo has taught social studies and has also served as an assistant principal for the last 20 years.

Ms. Cardenas currently serves as one of the assistant principals at Commack Middle School, and is looking forward to returning to Sawmill now that its assistant principal position has been reinstated as part of the 2022-2023 budget. Ms. Martin currently serves as a District Curriculum Associate and before

that taught at Commack Middle School for 18 years. Ms. Powers is new to the district, and is coming from PS 22 in Queens, where she works as a staff and curriculum resource director. She has taught grades two, three, and six and has developed several new “Passport Curriculums” for the New York City Department of Education.

All of the new appointments are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2022.

For more information about the Commack School District, please visit the District's website at https://www.commackschools.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/commackschooldistrict