A lifelong resident of Long Island, New York, Patricia Sullivan-Kriss is a graduate of the University of Delaware where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Special education and was named to the panel of Outstanding seniors in the College of Education. She began her career in 1977 teaching elementary special education in Cecil County, Maryland and elementary/middle school special education in the Rockville Centre UFSD. Pat earned her Master’s degree in Educational Administration at Long Island University/CW Post University in 1984. Her first administrative job was an Elementary Assistant Principal for 3 years in the William Floyd UFSD in Mastic/Shirley, NY.

From there, Pat became the Principal of the Rushmore School in Carle Place, NY where she served for 12 years. While here, the school and its staff earned numerous awards including the US Department of Education National Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence. In Carle Place, Pat also served as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Pupil Personnel Services.

Following her years in Carle Place, Pat became the Assistant/Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in the Plainview Old-Bethpage UFSD, a position that she held for 6 years. During these years, Pat was active in the Nassau Association of District Curriculum Officials where, among other things, she served as President for two years.

Pat’s first superintendency was in 2006 in the Hauppauge UFSD. During her ten-year tenure, the district implemented the International Baccalaureate program, increased AP opportunities for all students, developed FLES opportunities, began literacy initiatives, and worked to develop the arts, robotics, and cosmetology programs. Significant bond issues were also successfully passed which brought many districtwide improvements to buildings and infrastructure.

In 2016, Pat became the superintendent of the West Hempstead UFSD where she served for 2 years prior to her retirement in 2018. During her tenure here, Pat was honored to serve as the President of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, an association in which she was active for numerous years. In her retirement, Pat was humbled to receive the NYSCOSS Distinguished Service Award, the Council’s highest honor.

Outside of the educational sphere, Pat was also a very active community member in Rockville Centre serving as a Girl Scout Leader, President of the RVC Education Foundation, pre-school fundraiser, member of the South Side Alumni Association and numerous other volunteer positions. Pat and her husband Steve are the proud parents of 4 children, two of whom have followed their parents’ career paths and are secondary school teachers. They also are adoring grandparents to a grandson and granddaughter.