Schools

Dr. Walter Schartner Starts Tenure as Superintendent

New Superintendent replaces the retired Dr. Rosemary Jones and looks forward to starting the school year.

Dr. Walter Schartner took the reins of the Sayville School District in July after Dr. Rosemary Jones retired at the end of the school year. Although this is a new job for Schartner, he is not new to the district by any means having spent 33 years in the Sayville school system.

Schartner said his proudest days in the district were his 13 years as principal of the Middle School. "That school was my baby," he said. "I took what was the known as the Junior High School and helped it become the model Middle School that it is now."

Schartner was also the assistant principal at the high school, science teacher at the middle school, chemistry teacher at the high school and also coached the Golden Flashes.

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The purple and gold runs through his veins and Schartner said that the school district is the foundation of the community. "This is a desirable community and a place that former students come back to live," he said. "We have pride in our community and education is a foundation of that."

With the difficult economic times looming, Schartner said he knows he has to move forward. "To achieve academic excellence, you can't stand still. I am looking to try and move us forward during a tough economic climate," he said. "The teachers, administrators and parents are in direct contact with the students. I need to make sure that they have the opportunities and resources that they need."

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Although layoffs have impacted many districts on Long Island, those that retired at the end of last year were not replaced and only two teachers needed to be laid off. But staff is still doing more with less. "For example in the Middle School, they are working with one less guidance counselor after we didn't replace the position after someone retired," said Schartner. "I am fortunate that we have a great, and very capable, staff."

When talking about the district, Schartner included the entire community in the conversation and not just those directly involved with the schools. "We have a very tight-knit community that supports our athletic teams. It is not just parents cheering for the kids – it is alumni, neighbors and the entire community. And this is not just for football – every sport. It is great," said Schartner. "The district is very well-rounded. We have one of the top music programs in the state and our concerts and plays are phenomenal. The drama club does a great job and by the end of the year the seniors are directing one act plays on their own. It is amazing."

Although his tenure as superintendent started in July, Schartner said that this week feels like the beginning as he will address the staff when they report for their first day. "I feel blessed to be able to spend my career here in this great community," said Schartner. "It has been a great run and I look forward to starting this next chapter."


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