It is said that the average American will change jobs at least three times in his lifetime. In contrast, Superintendent Charles V. Sulc will retire this year after forty-four years in education; he has spent every one of them working to better the lives of Massapequa students.
Mr. Sulc began his career as a math teacher, and became chairperson ten years later. Though he often missed teaching during his years as an administrator, he took the job because he “wanted to bring [positive change] to other kids,” than just the one hundred or so students with whom a classroom teacher gets to work.
As Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Sulc elaborated on his earlier sentiments, saying “the ability to affect the education of almost eight thousand students” is the most rewarding aspect of his job, and that what he does is just “an extension of the work one does as a classroom teacher.” Clearly, his passion for having a positive impact on kids drove him throughout his entire career.
Even clearer than his passion for helping students may be his pride in the Massapequa community, and that which students, teachers, and administrators have accomplished together. He insisted that it takes “a combination of factors to build a strong school system: parents, students, and staff” and that we as a district “have evidence in each and every area of the strength of our programs and the success of our kids.”
Though he admitted that he does not love politics, Mr. Sulc certainly has charisma; his candor and genuine amiability would make anyone feel comfortable talking to him. He also paints an attractive picture of Massapequa Schools, and he does so with good reason. As he pointed out, “our athletic programs have ongoing success, and the athletes do it in the classroom too; we send several students to All-State or All-Eastern for music every year, and the quality of the musicals in this district is outstanding.”
At last year’s senior citizens performance of Hello Dolly!, a group approached him and told him they had seen many different high school productions on Long Island and held Massapequa’s musicals in the highest esteem of all. Mr. Sulc said that compliments such as these augment his pride in the fine work and commitment of students and staff.
However, the path to success has not been easy. Like any district, Massapequa has faced many challenges over the years, and continues to face several today. Mr. Sulc cited the tax cap, which could “impact the district’s ability to cater to students,” and declining enrollment as obstacles we must overcome as a community. Unfortunately, enrollment across the district is dropping by about one hundred students each year, indicating a possible need for re-structuring down the road.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Sulc believes “our expectations and standards have grown over the last ten years, and our kids have proven time and time again that they can meet those standards.” He is particularly proud of the school’s recognition as an AP Honor Roll school, which demonstrates ever-increasing opportunities for students to take more challenging courses, as well as the success of students in those courses. In addition, he lauded Massapequa’s special education program as “one of the finest on Long Island and in New York.” He is proud that the district offers opportunities to kids of all ability levels to make the most of their education.
In fact, though many may not realize it, Massapequa School District has always made the most of its resources—relatively limited as they may be. Though Massapequa spends the third or fourth lowest amount of money per student each year, Mr. Sulc is confident that the “quality of our instructional staff and the scope of our AP and music programs provide far better opportunities for students than local private and parochial schools.” Undoubtedly, more money to work with does not always ensure better results, and the successes of this district attest to the capacity of dedication and talent to overcome fiscal boundaries.
Regardless, that does not mean that more money could not open some doors. In an ideal world—one in which there are no monetary constraints—Mr. Sulc would upgrade the district’s facilities by adding new science labs, a TV studio, athletic facilities with all-weather surfaces, and a swimming pool. He would also institute a more advanced alumni network, expand interdisciplinary learning, and research the possibility of a kindergarten through second grade environment in which students could advance to the next grade at their own pace. These are Mr. Sulc’s greatest visions for the district, but that which he has accomplished already is enough for a lasting legacy.
As the years go by, Mr. Sulc will be remembered as an adamant supporter of ever-increasing opportunities for students, an integral player in the expansion of district technology and its use in the classroom, and most of all, as a fair, candid leader. Mr. Sulc’s advice to Mrs. Lucille Iconis, his successor, says a great deal about him: “I told her to be herself, to utilize the skill sets of a great team of people surrounding her, and to always be fair.” A true team player and a champion of his students, Superintendent Mr. Charles V. Sulc shall not soon be forgotten.