Dr. Martin G. Brooks has been selected as the new superintendent of schools of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, it was announced on March 20 at a special board meeting, by Evy Rothman, Plainview-Old Bethpage Board of Education president. Mrs. Rothman stated, "The board unanimously decided that Dr. Brooks has the experience, philosophy and proven accomplishments to take our district to a new level of excellence."

Dr. Brooks is currently superintendent of the Valley Stream High School District here on Long Island. He previously served as superintendent of schools at the Valley Stream Union Free School District 13, from 1992 to 1998. Prior to that assignment, Dr. Brooks was assistant superintendent for instruction and then deputy superintendent at Shoreham Wading River, from 1985 to 1991.

"Dr. Brooks is a highly regarded educator and administrator," Rothman noted. "The Board of Education is confident that he has ability and vision necessary to serve as an effective educational leader in our district," she continued. "The relationship between the board and the superintendent is at the heart of any educational challenge and its solution. We are eager to begin a team relationship so that we may continue moving in the direction of making Plainview-Old Bethpage Schools the finest, most innovative educational system possible," she continued.

In 1980, Dr. Brooks earned his Ed. D from Columbia University's Teachers College. His masters in secondary education was earned at New York University; his bachelor's was also earned at NYU, in history and political science. His research has been included in a long list of publications; his most recent contribution was called "The Courage to be a Constructivist," which appeared in Educational Leadership in November 1999. Dr. Brooks is active in a host of professional organizations. He is currently president-elect of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents, a member of the executive board of directors for the Metropolitan School Study Council.

"On behalf of the board, I would like to thank the community for their support," Rothman added. "We are grateful for the confidence they showed us as we sought Dr. Brooks for the superintendency. It is clear that we all have this district's best interest at heart."

Dr. Brooks is scheduled to tour all the district's facilities with the Board of Education on March 27, and is excited about his new post. "I am anxious to meet and get to know everyone from the Plainview-Old Bethpage school community. I am also eager to learn about and become closely involved with the district's programs," Dr. Brooks explained.

A resident of East Setauket, Dr. Brooks isn't the only doctor in the house; his wife, Dr. Jacqueline Grennon Brooks, is a professor at SUNY Stony Brook. They have two children. It is anticipated that Dr. Brooks will officially begin his tenure as superintendent of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District by July 1.