James Polansky was appointed Assistant Director of the School of Professional Development's Educational Leadership Program in the summer of 2024, having served as an adjunct instructor and teaching numerous core courses in the program for several years prior. In addition, he earned an Advanced Graduate Certificate through the Stony Brook program in 2000.
A well-rounded educator, Mr. Polansky taught science at Syosset High School through the 1990's, having secured New York State teaching certifications in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, General Science, Mathematics and Business & Distributive Education. He served as K-12 Director of Science in Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District before assuming roles as Assistant Principal, Principal and Assistant Superintendent in the South Huntington School District. He was named the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)/Metropolitan Life New York State Principal of the Year in 2010 in recognition of his innovative work as Principal of Walt Whitman High School.
Mr. Polansky was appointed Huntington School District's Superintendent of Schools in the spring of 2011, a position in which he remained until his retirement in September of 2023. As superintendent, he was highly regarded for his efforts in establishing the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School, reinstituting full-day kindergarten and establishing a comprehensive universal pre-kindergarten program, developing responsible budgets and facilitating significant capital projects across the district. He was particularly well known for the relationships he built among students, staff and within the school district community.
Mr. Polansky served on the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association (SCSSA) Executive Board for several years, including as its president in 2022-2023. In addition, he served on the Section XI Athletic Association Executive Board for nearly 20 years, including a term as its president. He served further as the Suffolk County representative in the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS) House of Delegates and for several years on the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) Government Relations Committee.
Mr. Polansky has maintained his focus on instructional leadership and boosting student achievement, while remaining cognizant of the fiscal constraints faced by school districts and their communities. He in the final stages of his doctoral dissertation within Hofstra University's Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) program, with his work centered on developing a model for superintendent mentorships.