Regent Harry Phillips Visits Syosset Schools
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin
with Randi T. Sachs

Harry Phillips, III, a Regent of The University of the State of New York, recently came to observe the Syosset School District. The University of the State of New York (different from SUNY, State University of New York, the state’s public university system) was established in 1784 and is the oldest continuous state education entity in the U.S. The Board of Regents has 16 members who are elected by the State Legislature for five-year terms. In addition to schools, the Board governs all institutions, organizations, and agencies that can be included in the broad term of education. This includes libraries, museums, public broadcasting, professions, and more. The Regents serve without salary. They are the ultimate volunteers.

Regent Phillips visited Syosset to see a few programs in operation in both elementary and secondary schools. He had the opportunity to speak to students, teachers, administrators and the members of our Board of Education.

As he spoke to high school students about their experiments in Technology Class and their science research projects, it was evident that Regent Phillips was not only taking note of the knowledge they demonstrated, but the way in which they so proudly presented what they had done. Later, speaking to a gathering of faculty and school community leaders, he remarked that what struck him most was how much the students and teachers enjoyed what they were learning. The ultimate compliment was his wish that “all schools were like Syosset’s.”

Regent Phillips understands that it’s not just what we teach our students, but the way we do it. He and his fellow Regents have the tremendous task of guiding our schools into the future. Seeing the wisdom and intelligence he brings to his role gives us confidence that we have some excellent people in Albany working for our children.

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