New Uniondale Administrators Aim to Enhance Student Achievement and Experiences

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK—The Uniondale School District proudly welcomed two new accomplished administrators at the start of the 2025-2026 school year, longtime educators who will enhance educational opportunities for scholars. Dr. Rhonda Latty will serve as the new director of English language arts while Dennis Pettas will serve as the new director of technology and library media services.

“Dr. Latty and Mr. Pettas bring a wealth of experiences and a student-centered approach that align with the District’s mission to support scholars’ growth and achievement,” said Uniondale School District Superintendent Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil. “We look forward to the positive impact these wonderful educators will have on the District as we work together to empower students and cultivate inclusive, engaging learning environments.”

Dr. Rhonda Latty has over 15 years of secondary education experience and has been a Uniondale School District English language arts teacher and summer school coordinator for the past 10 years. Prior to joining Uniondale, she was an educator with the New York City Department of Education. In addition to her role in the classroom in Uniondale, Dr. Latty is a founding advisor of My Sister’s Keeper—a student leadership and empowerment organization—and has contributed to numerous District committees and initiatives.

In her new role as the director of English language arts, Dr. Latty will foster culturally responsive environments where students develop a lifelong love for literacy and the confidence to become critical thinkers, strong writers, and effective communicators.

Dr. Latty began her journey in education by earning her bachelor’s degree in secondary English education from Temple University in 2010. She received her master’s in school building leadership from St. John’s University in 2012 and completed her doctorate in administration and supervision at St. John’s in 2020. She was born in the Commonwealth of Dominica, raised in Queens, New York, and currently resides in West Hempstead, New York.

Dennis Pettas brings over 13 years of experience in educational leadership and instructional technology to his new role with the District. Mr. Pettas most recently served as the manager of technology for the Hofstra University Frank G. Zarb School of Business and previously acted as the executive director of technology and innovation at Long Beach Public Schools and as the director of instructional technology for the Patchogue-Medford School District. In these roles, he led major initiatives in digital learning, infrastructure modernization, professional development, and data systems management.

In his role as Uniondale’s director of technology and library media services, Mr. Pettas will focus on strengthening the connection between technology and curriculum. He will support educators with high-impact digital tools and emerging AI technologies and bolster students’ digital literacy and research skills, which will enhance their college and career readiness.

Mr. Pettas holds advanced degrees in educational leadership and technology and is currently completing his doctoral dissertation at St. John’s University, with a focus on instructional leadership. A native of Hicksville, New York, he is committed to building innovative and future-forward learning environments.