Dr. Phyllis S. Harrington
Superintendent
Oceanside UFSD
Dr. Phyllis Harrington is esteemed for her work with academic literacy programs, but she also believes that fostering creativity is the best way to ensure student success and she values the arts as an essential component of a well-rounded curriculum. She is a staunch advocate of arts education and an ardent supporter of the Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA), as well as numerous arts programs within her local district.
Dr. Harrington began her educational career in the classroom and inevitably worked her way into to the offices of administration. She started as a teacher, but before long took on a number of leadership roles, including director of special education, elementary school principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and, most recently, superintendent. Before taking the helm of the Oceanside UFSD, Dr. Harrington served as Superintendent of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich school district.
A recognized expert on education, Dr. Harrington is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the American Association of School Administrators, and has most recently served as president of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents. She has been an active member of the New York State Council of Superintendents and has was elected as a member of the executive committee for that organization.
In 2011, the New York State Commissioner of Education appointed Dr. Harrington to the Board of Directors of the New York State Teachers Retirement System, which sets policy and oversees system operations. She currently serves on the board's Compensation and Executive Committees.
Throughout Oceanside schools Dr. Harrington is known as a conscientious communicator, and her monthly video messages on the district website keep students, parents and community members up-to-date with all that is happening throughout the district.
"Dr. Harrington is a renowned educational leader who is dedicated to improving education for all students and engaging the community in school events and activities," wrote her award nominator. "She brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to the position of superintendent, and is passionate about teaching and learning. She is dedicated to the success of students of all ages and abilities."
