Joseph C. Dragone

Assistant Superintendent for Business
Roslyn Public Schools

A veteran educator serving Long Island schools for more than 45 years, Joseph Dragone is esteemed and depended upon for his fiscal abilities. His knowledge of key financial matters, such as state aid, school costs and assessment practices, inspires confidence in fellow educators, political leaders and community stakeholders alike. He is regularly called upon to speak for Long Island's public schools, whether in the ongoing battle for equitable state aid or to elicit voter support for local school budgets.

Dragone has testified at senate, assembly and county hearings, and represents Long Island schools at conferences, as well as at meetings of the local business community and civic associations. He has appeared on local television panels and served as a media liaison, providing accurate information in support of school districts.

He has earned numerous awards during his long tenure. In 2006, the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association bestowed upon him the Distinguished Service Award for "his persistent energy in advocating for the needs of Long Island's schools." He earned the University Council for Educational Administration's "Educational Excellence" award in 2009 and the Fredenburg Memorial Award for Outstanding Service from the New York State Association of School Business Officials in 2010. He is a tireless advocate for Long Island schools, serving on numerous local boards and committees.

Dragone is most proud of the work he has done in Roslyn to restore the faith and trust of a community in its public schools which was made possible by a supportive team of people from staff members to the board of education. In his mind, this award reflects the commitment of an entire team of people and not just the accomplishments of an individual.

"Joseph Dragone is known as the 'go-to-guy' for school finance, not only by his school business official colleagues in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, but by the leadership of virtually all of the educational organizations on Long Island," wrote his award nominator. "He has a wonderful ability to make numbers tell a story and thereby translate vexing fiscal realities into terms that can be understood by the general public."