Sag Harbor School Board Extends Interim Superintendent's Contract

The Sag Harbor School Board voted unanimously Monday night to extend the contract of interim Superintendent Carl Bonuso, Ed.D, for another school year, giving the school district more time to find a permanent superintendent.

Dr. Bonuso was appointed in August 2012 after former Superintendent John Gratto, Ed.D., resigned to accept a position with Virginia Tech.

Dr. Bonuso previously served as Wantagh School District superintendent for 10 years until his retirement in June 2009. He was with the district for a total of 36 years, plus a brief return in 2012 as an interim superintendent.

The Setauket resident has served as an education consultant and an adjunct professor at Stony Brook University and Dowling College. 

School Board President Theresa Samot said Dr. Bonuso has a "a long and stellar record of achievement in education" and since he joined the district "he has displayed his enthusiasm, expertise, caring, and commitment to the Sag Harbor school family."

Vice President Chris Tice said the additional school year will provide a more appropriate period of transition. "This veteran administrator in the interim, however, will bring experience and expertise to the immediate challenges we face, to include: curriculum reform, implementation of the new teacher/principal evaluation system, facilities review, short and long term financial planning, and mentoring of our leadership team,” she said.

Samot said, "His instructional leadership, mentoring, and managerial style have been impressive and integral in facilitating continued excellence in our school district. Our school consultants from School Leadership met with dozens of focus groups and reported back to the Board the overwhelming consensus and collective call for Dr. Bonuso and his leadership qualities and style.”