Superintendent of Schools

On May 9, the South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education unanimously appointed Brian Culot, Ed.D. as Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2023. View Dr. Culot’s Entry Plan (English | Spanish).

“I am honored to serve as Superintendent of Schools and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our Board of Education, students, staff and families to build on the excellent work and success that makes South Orangetown such an exceptional place to teach, learn and live,” Culot said.

A veteran educator of 27 years, Culot first joined the District as Cottage Lane Elementary School Principal in 2009, before being appointed Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in 2013. Over the course of his tenure in South Orangetown, he has led district initiatives to support student voice, inclusion and family/community engagement and championed instructional innovation and leadership across buildings and content areas with an emphasis on student-centered, problem based learning.

As Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Culot spearheaded the development of K-12 curriculum maps; established instructional coach positions to provide ongoing professional development and support to K-12 teachers in the areas of literacy, math, science and technology; instituted content area leadership teams to review curriculum and K-12 alignment, exchange strategies and best practices and identify opportunities for continuous, systemic improvement; engaged the Tri-States Consortium for comprehensive review of curriculum and instruction to inform the District’s efforts to meet and exceed new standards; and, directed the comprehensive professional development program for SOCSD educators. He has created opportunities to extend learning aligned with student interests by expanding K-12 enrichment programs and high school elective offerings; establishing the District’s Summer STEAM Camp, School Maker Faire and Family Curriculum Nights; and, launching the TZHS Pathways app.

Culot first joined the District with 10 years of administrative experience in New York City public schools. Prior to his administrative positions, he served as a guidance counselor, program director and special education teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Buffalo, a Master of Arts degree in School Counseling from Loyola Marymount University, a Master of Science degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Baruch College and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Fordham University.

District Mission and Values

The mission of the South Orangetown Central School District is to elevate, engage and inspire through personalized and exceptional educational experiences that ensure all students achieve to their fullest potential. The district will utilize and distribute resources and programming that promotes integrity and fairness to ensure a district system of equity, access and opportunities for all.

Our values are:

• To challenge our students with the highest quality education
• To foster an inclusive school district community based upon respect, responsibility, equity and global citizenship
• To provide a safe and nurturing environment which prepares every student for future success