One of the best leaders in New York education can be found on Long Island.

Dr. John Trotta has been selected as the 2026 New York State Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year.

Dr. Trotta is the assistant principal at Polk Street School in Franklin Square.

"Leadership is not about you. It's really about serving and, just helping kids,” says Trotta. “So, from our youngest kids to our oldest, we just want to, you know, give them opportunities to learn in the classroom and outside of the classroom."

Dr. Trotta says his biggest accomplishment is the “Better Not Bigger” initiative, which focuses on problem solving and helping students overcome challenges.