Babylon School District Appoints New Superintendent

BABYLON, NY — The Babylon Union Free School District has appointed a new, permanent superintendent.

Carisa Manza, an educator for 24 years, was announced to the position on Thursday, the district's website said.

Manza will replace Brian Conboy, who served as superintendent in an interim capacity for the 2022-2023 school year.

She previously served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for Babylon during the current school year.

Conboy said in a statement that he and Manza had worked closely in various capacities for years, and described her as a "consummate professional who brings to her work a deep commitment and enthusiasm" to her field.

"When I brought her on as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at the start of this school year, I knew she would be a good fit for Babylon, and she has exceeded all expectations," said Conbooy. "I have full confidence in her ability to lead this District, and I wholeheartedly endorse the board’s choice of Ms. Manza for superintendent.”

Manza began her career in 2000 as a high school social studies teacher for the Sewanhaka Central High School District. In 2002, she taught the same subject in the Hauppauge School District.

She received her bachelor of arts in social studies education from Stony Brook University, and her master of liberal arts degree and diploma in school administration and supervision from Queens College.

Manza brings an educational philosophy that is based on providing all students the tools they need to succeed, the district said.

"I’ve always wanted my students to feel comfortable taking risks, and I’ve always wanted to find ways to ensure that every student is able to access the curriculum," Manza said. "To do that, it has been important to me that I establish positive relationships with students as both people and learners, to set high expectations, and to inspire students to meet those expectations."

In 2008, .Manza began her transition into the administrative side of education and was hired as assistant principal at Seaford High School in the Seaford Union Free School District.

She later became assistant principal of the Elwood-John H. Glenn High School in the Elwood Union Free School District, and in 2016 became principal of John H. Glenn High School in 2014.

"I want every student to meet with success on their terms. Observing the success I had in my classrooms, my mentors encouraged me to take my model of a safe and rigorous instruction to the building level," Manza said. "Now, I will be able to take that philosophy to the district level."

As assistant superintendent for curriculum, Manza has "developed collaborative relationships with various stakeholders in the Babylon School District, and has received a warm welcome," the district said.

"The Babylon School District is a very special place to learn, and I look forward to continuing my partnership with this community," she said. “I consider it an honor to serve Babylon and its students, parents and taxpayers. I hope to continue to keep Babylon on the cutting edge of education."

Conboy replaced the previous permanent superintendent, Linda Rozzi, who retired in summer 2022.

Rozzi faced scrutiny in the last months of her time as superintendent, after numerous claims from alumni of sexual abuse within the district.