Dr. Beth Virginia Blau retires after many years of dedicated service to West Islip Schools.

Senator Owen H. Johnson presented a Legislative Resolution to Dr. Beth Virginia Blau, West Islip School District Superintendent of Schools, upon her retirement after many years of dedicated service.  The celebration took place on October 1, 2010 at Captain Bill’s in Bay Shore. 

“The excellence and the success of the West Islip Public Schools is due, in a large part, to Dr. Beth Blau’s efforts and many years of dedicated service,” Senator Johnson said.  “Her enthusiasm and unparalleled devotion to the quality of educational programs and opportunities has left a legacy to the residents of the West Islip community and to future generations of its students.” 

In 2001, Dr. Beth Blau assumed her duties as Superintendent of Schools for the West Islip School District.  From 1998-2001 she was the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for the District.  She also served as the District’s Director of Humanities, K-12 from 1995-1998.  From 1986-1995, Dr. Blau was the Director of Reading, K-12, Title 1 and Compensatory Services for the Long Beach City School District.

During her tenure as West Islip School District Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Blau crafted and presented multiple successful budgets to the community; obtained significant federal and legislative grant monies for drug prevention programs, technology, post 9-11 security, and a global communications laboratory.  In addition, Dr. Blau negotiated timely contracts with the professional and non-certified staff and introduced a tenure-based salary structure for administrators.  She also designed and instituted an Alternative High School and sponsored implementation of the International Baccalaureate Program and Advanced Placement Art.

Dr. Blau is a member of the American Association of School Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa, and the New York State Council of School Superintendents.  She is also on the Board of Directors of West Islip Remembers 9-11, and a member of both the Babylon Chapter of Rotary and Suffolk County School Superintendents Association.

Among Dr. Blau’s numerous affiliations, awards and activities are: being named an Educator of Excellence by the New York State English Council; honorary life memberships in both the National English Honor Society and PTA; honorary membership in Tri-M Music Honor Society; and the Education Award from Partners Advancing West Islip Students (PAWS).  She won a Hofstra University Doctoral Fellowship in 1984, and in 2005 received the Achievement in Educational Communications Award of Excellence.

Dr. Blau is a Trustee of PAWS which she originated in 2004 to bring current and former community members together in support of West Islip children and their education.