Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil Named 2023 Superintendent to Watch by NSPRA

Uniondale School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil has been selected as a 2023 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). Dr. Darrisaw-Akil joins just 24 other superintendents nationwide who were selected for this honor in recognition of their innovative and effective use of technology to engage and inform the school community, and to expand two-way communication and outreach efforts.

“I am honored to be named a 2023 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association,” said Dr. Darrisaw-Akil. “When I stepped into this role in 2021, I set out to foster an environment of strong communication and open dialogue with the community and the media. Over the past few years, I have appreciated the connections that the Uniondale School District has developed and the achievements we have highlighted, all in the name of uplifting the District and our scholars.”

During her time as superintendent, Dr. Darrisaw-Akil has championed initiatives aimed at advancing the educational opportunities of the District’s scholars and welcomed innovative programs. While the focus is always on the benefits these programs have for the District’s scholars, Dr. Darrisaw-Akil has always understood the importance of communicating the positive outcomes of these programs to the Uniondale community. From social media posts sharing District accomplishments and honors to connecting with local media outlets to have stories written about educational initiatives led by the District, these efforts have had enormous positive outcomes for the District staff, scholars and the Uniondale community.

“This year’s honorees understand the critical role that effective, two-way communication plays in building trust with students, families, employees and community members,” said NSPRA Executive Director Barbara M. Hunter, APR. “Each of these leaders has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to championing innovative communication strategies to advance their district’s success.”

NSPRA saw a record number of nominations this year—more than 70—and many exceptional candidates, making the selection process very competitive. Since the 2015-16 school year, NSPRA has recognized 152 school district leaders as Superintendents to Watch. Honorees must have fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent and demonstrate dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core.

Visit https://www.nspra.org/Awards/Superintendents-to-Watch to learn more about this award.

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For more information about the Uniondale School District, please visit the District’s website at https://district.uniondalescho... and ‘like’ our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/uniondalek12.