Each year, Great Neck Public Schools’ central administration works to lead the district and provide for the success of both students and staff. But what, explicitly, does the central administration do? Reflecting on the past year, Dr. Bossert, Superintendent, and Dr. Lando, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education, discussed their responsibilities and highlighted their vision for the future.
Dr. Bossert described the district office administration as the “10,000-foot view,” consisting of business, transportation, athletics, and human resources departments, among others that shape instruction. “The office focuses on big ideas,” Dr. Bossert explained, “such as our focus on news media literacy or our investment in restorative practices; we then leave it to building teams, department chairs, and teachers to develop the lessons.”
Both Dr. Bossert and Dr. Lando remarked that they have no “typical” workday. “Part of my job is responding to concerns and mitigating emergencies,” Dr. Bossert said. “In a district our size, there are things that are unscheduled that require my attention just about every day.”
“There’s so much variation,” Dr. Lando agreed. “My overall job responsibility combines elements of curriculum and instruction with human resources. I have oversight over the five secondary settings, plus the SEAL program. I view my job like the leadership pyramid is upside down—it’s my job to support what happens in the schools.”
The central administration also organizes numerous events throughout the year, such as Superintendent’s Conference Days. “These days help us improve our instruction, introduce new resources, and help our teachers to be even more effective in their classroom,” Dr. Bossert commented. “Sometimes we bring in a guest speaker; a lot of work goes into the planning.”
Dr. Lando helps organize these events as well, along with the faculty recital and special programs, such as inviting Manny Scott, one of the original Freedom Writers, to speak during a Shared Decision Making meeting. He also works with department heads to provide professional development, such as bringing the secondary schools’ math departments together in South High’s West Gym to collaborate and share innovative ideas and practices.
The central administration also guides the district’s response to modern developments, such as AI, which was discussed during September’s Superintendent’s Conference Day. Faced with these new technological advancements, the district is finding ways to adapt. “I once heard a great quote at a workshop: AI will not replace humans; humans who use AI will replace humans who don’t,” Dr. Bossert said. “I think it’s really important that our teachers feel very comfortable using AI platforms and teaching our students to do the same. We have to learn appropriate uses, but we also have to learn restrictions, and I think that’s what our teachers are measuring right now.”
“Technology is changing the way that we do things; it’s a tidal wave, and we can’t stop the wave from coming,” Dr. Lando added. “We need to teach students to use artificial intelligence in a manner that enhances what they do and embraces the value of human interaction, rather than eliminates it. I think the future will be that we have more interdisciplinary and interactive work by our students and by our staff.” Despite the challenges, Dr. Bossert believed he had a wonderful first year as Superintendent. “I attribute that greatly to the level of support and collaboration and how welcoming our entire community was,” Dr. Bossert asserted. “There were certainly some elements of my vision that I think found their way into the classrooms last year, but last year was more about observation, and now year two and moving forward is making decisions.”
Dr. Bossert and Dr. Lando agreed that a major success each year is forming meaningful relationships within the district, which begins with them being present and active within the schools themselves. Despite his demanding schedule, Dr. Bossert tries to spend as much time in the buildings and classrooms as possible. “The best evaluation is observation, and if you don’t make a purposeful attempt to be visible, it won’t happen.”
Dr. Lando has a similar philosophy. “I stop by the schools and get out to events when time permits,” he said. “I try to catch every musical every year in all four secondary settings and at least one concert per school, per semester, as well as some of the competitions for academic and science research.” Dr. Bossert encouraged students to keep updated on GNPS’ Facebook and Instagram page, managed by Public Information Officer Colleen Bowler. “One thing I want to make clear to every student,” he added, “is that when you do see me in the buildings, please say hello and please feel free to share thoughts and ideas.”
Ultimately, Dr. Bossert emphasized the importance of creating forums to have conversations and finding better ways to address problems and questions, such as through his continued initiative, Thought Exchange. This year, he plans to create events to connect current students with impactful members of Great Neck’s Alumni Association—many of whom have made tremendous marks in their careers. Dr. Bossert, Dr. Lando, and the rest of the central administration look forward to continuing to support students and staff. “Do I have any regrets from the past year? No,” Dr. Lando asserted. “We learn from things over the course of the year, so I don’t know that I would change anything. I would just continue to learn and move forward.
