“This is Dr. Nisonoff from the Emerson Public Schools…”  These words have always brought a smile to my face, especially when they are accompanied by the phrase “due to inclement weather conditions”.

So much more than a messenger, Dr. Philip H. Nisonoff has been a solid fixture of Emerson’s Schools for just shy of 32 years.  Whether working under the title of Business Administrator, Board Secretary, Assistant Superintendent, Active Superintendent, or Superintendent, this man has had the daunting task of helping to shape the Emerson School District into what it is today.

Dr. Nisonoff was kind enough to carve some time out of his busy schedule so I could ask him some questions on behalf of us curious Cavos.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

One of my middle school students asked me, “What does he do in that building over there?”  Well…

A superintendent’s job is not an easy one.  With the title comes responsibilities such as managing the budget, hiring administration and staff, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and overseeing day-to-day operations.  There’s also the matter of monitoring academic progress and reporting findings to the school board, as well as serving as a liaison between the district, parents, community, and media.

When asked to simplify what appears to be a very complex position, Nisonoff replied – without hesitation, “I think my job is to help students, faculty, administration, and community be their best.”

THE RIGHT PERSON AT THE RIGHT TIME:

How and when did he know he was the right man for the job?

Before he’d finished his second year as Business Administrator, the Board of Education granted Dr. Nisonoff tenure in his position “as a way of saying they appreciated my worth and wanted me to keep going.  At that moment I felt, ‘I’m in the right place, and working for the right school district.’”

CH-CH-CH-CH-CHANGES:

Just as Nisonoff’s path has evolved over the years, so too has our district’s. 

He explained, “Well…no personal computers, no phones.  We didn’t use email, there was no email.  The advancement in technology clearly was a major change.”

He added, “When I started here, we did not have a cafeteria.  Kids ordered lunch from a local deli who delivered sandwiches to the back of the school.”

Nisonoff went on to say, “We didn’t own any buses.  Our kids were lucky to arrive at an athletic event a half hour after the start of their game.  Kids came to school at the High School on a rainy day, like today, and you’d find buckets…collecting water falling through ceilings.  The weight room was in room 118.  So much has changed.  I could probably go on forever.”

PROGRESS:

With change comes progress, and Nisonoff shared, “The greatest progress in the Emerson School System has been the overall culture and climate – PreK-12.  Having been here for 32 years, and having worked with so many amazing people, this moment in time, right now, our school system is at the highest level of professionalism, of respecting one another, of collaboration between faculty, administration, and Board.”

MOST PROUD OF:

Nisonoff stated that he felt most proud of, “the success of my children both academically and socially, and who they’ve become as citizens in this world.  I’m proud that their success is a result of the partnership of both of us as parents, and the phenomenal experiences they’ve had in the Emerson School System – specifically, the teachers.”

WILL MISS:

As we wrapped up our interview, I had to ask what he would miss after his time here.  His response was straightforward and heartfelt.

“I will miss the kindness and compassion that exists in the DNA of Emerson Public Schools.”

NEXT CHAPTER:

Smiling, Nisonoff admitted that he is looking forward to:  “Spending more time with my growing family, which will include traveling a great deal.  I look forward to refereeing soccer a little bit more.  I look forward to having more time to read.  With Robert Caro’s latest book on LBJ coming out soon, I will need it!  Lastly, spending some quality time with my wife, Jen.”

In fact, he’ll be taking his wife on a 10-day cruise in the Carribean!  And those are just his plans for January!

PARTING WORDS:

It seemed only fair to ask for Dr. Nisonoff to share some parting words and wisdom with our community, and he did not disappoint.

“Every day is a great day to be a Cavo, and every day is a  great day to be your best self.”

Thank you, Dr. Nisonoff, for making Cavo Country what it is, and for being your best self.

And thanks for those joy-bringing pre-recorded district-wide phone calls.