Dr. Carl Bonuso

Retired Superintendent
Hicksville UFSD

Dr. Carl Bonuso is recognized as a top school leader and educator in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. As former superintendent of the Wantagh, Sag Harbor and Hicksville school districts, he has made a powerful impact on innumerable students and educators, as well as the overall educational community on Long Island.

The respect he has achieved has been well earned. Dr. Bonuso is not an ivory tower administrator, running schools from a secluded office. He toils in the trenches, designing learning spaces that best meet students’ needs, and working side by side with students and community members on contributive projects, such as Habitat for Humanity.

Dr. Bonuso has fostered vital partnerships between school districts and their stakeholders by creating invaluable institutions that bridge the communication gap between school and community. Among the many vital constituent organizations he has established over the years are parent centers, community coalitions and advisory groups. A trusted leader, Dr. Bonuso has conducted several successful bond referendums, resulting in new and improved facilities for countless students.

Dr. Bonuso has always seen the value in Nassau BOCES schools, programs and services. To that end, he has offered his support to a number of the agency’s events and performances, even when his students are not involved.

Through his hands-on guidance, many of his former students have become school leaders themselves, citing as their inspiration, Dr. Bonuso’s “lessons of leadership.” He has not only served as a teacher of students, but as a mentor to fellow educators, having taught educational administrators in preparatory programs at Hofstra University and the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

“Dr. Carl Bonuso personifies the very definition of an education partner,” wrote his award nominator. “Throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly to support and promote public education. As a result of his experience and leadership, Dr. Bonuso has influenced thousands of students, families and prospective school leaders. His remarkable legacy is certain to endure the test of time.”