Dr. Shawn K. Wightman, a bold and visionary leader in public education, brings over twenty-five years of proven excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership to his role as Superintendent of Schools for the Roosevelt Union Free School District. Appointed July 1, 2024, following the retirement of Dr. Deborah Wortham, Dr. Wightman assumed the helm with a clear mission: to accelerate student achievement, restore community confidence, and position Roosevelt as a model district for equity, innovation, and academic excellence.

In his first year, Dr. Wightman led Roosevelt from “Together, We Rise!” to the next chapter—Together We Transform!”. This evolution reflects more than a theme; it is a lived reality of rising achievement, rising confidence, and rising pride across the district. Students made tangible academic gains, educators led with both heart and precision, and families engaged in new, meaningful ways. Today, Roosevelt is thriving—across academics, the arts, wellness, and leadership—while transforming its systems, expectations, outcomes, and, most importantly, the lives of young people.

Transformational Achievements in Year One
Guided by the 2025-30 Strategic Plan and anchored in the district’s Portrait of a Roosevelt Graduate, Dr. Wightman has championed initiatives that are reshaping instruction, expanding opportunity, and strengthening community trust:

• Visionary Graduate Framework – Launched the Portrait of a Roosevelt Graduate, aligning with and surpassing New York State’s vision by defining the skills, values, and mindset every student will carry into their future.

• Expanded Career Pathways – Added new Electrical and HVAC programs to Roosevelt’s Career and Technical Education offerings, opening doors to high-demand careers.

• Elementary Science Transformation – Rolled out PhD Science districtwide in K–5, elevating inquiry-based learning and student engagement.

• Streamlined Communication – Implemented Infinite Campus, launched the Apptegy mobile app, and installed digital marquees at all elementary schools to connect families in real time.

• National Recognition – Earned the 2025 NSBA Magna Silver Award for the Black and Latin History 365 initiative, a model for equity in action, and celebrated Mrs. Nicole Rivera as PETA’s 2025 Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

• Fiscal and Facilities Leadership – Achieved a Moody’s Aa3 credit rating, reflecting strong fiscal stewardship. Completed major districtwide infrastructure upgrades through the Energy Performance Contract with Honeywell and Energia, delivering cost-neutral improvements in energy efficiency, sustainability, and learning environments—ensuring long-term savings for the community.

• Policy Innovation – Implemented Roosevelt’s equitable, student-focused adoption of the New York State Distraction-Free Schools Law, including protections for student needs, transparency measures, and annual equity audits.

A Distinguished Career of Impact
Dr. Wightman’s Roosevelt leadership builds on a record of achievement as Superintendent of Marysville Public Schools in Michigan, where his leadership propelled the district to the highest SAT scores, graduation rates, and attendance in St. Clair County—outpacing county, state, and national averages. Marysville High School earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s top high schools. His tenure was defined by launching a districtwide 1:1 technology initiative, expanding STEAM programs including Project Lead the Way and FIRST Robotics, leading the #GoOpen initiative recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and strengthening early literacy, MTSS, and advanced coursework opportunities.

Education and Professional Development
Dr. Wightman holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum & Instruction (K-12) and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in General Administration & Supervision from Wayne State University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Saginaw Valley State University, and a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University, where he played NCAA Division I men’s basketball. He is also a graduate of the Urban Superintendents Academy at AASA/USC Rossier School of Education.

A Transformational Vision for Roosevelt
Now a proud Long Island resident, Dr. Wightman leads one of the region’s most vibrant and diverse school communities with a steadfast commitment to the district’s mission: to educate the whole child to excel, thereby ensuring achievement for all. He believes Roosevelt’s purpose extends beyond preparing students for the future—its mission is to nurture the leaders who will shape it. His first year has proven that when schools, families, and communities work together with courage, collaboration, and clarity of purpose, transformation is not only possible—it is inevitable.