Paul Hauser

“His professionalism and educational background are part of his legacy,” along with his “creative musical ability and going above and beyond for children.” These are just some of the traits that exemplify and describe Paul E. Hauser. Paul grew up in Massachusetts and completed his undergraduate studies in music education at Lowell State Teachers College in Massachusetts, later earning a masters degree at Hofstra University. Mr. Hauser began his career at Patchogue-Medford School District in 1956, following his completion of military service. He was a music teacher, a district administrator, an elementary principal, and an active community volunteer. His career at Patchogue-Medford spanned more than 30 years, ending with his retirement in 1989. His devotion to others – his students and the community – was evident in the many and varied activities he introduced, and became involved in, during his life.

As shared by two of his children, Paul’s fundamental views on his career were:

1. Education is important and for everyone, whatever their abilities.
2. Education is, and should always be, a positive experience.
3. There is always room for improvement.

Mr. Hauser began his career at South Ocean Avenue Junior High as a music teacher. He help to develop and grow their glee club and chorus, which performed at their own school, the Four Sisters Community Center, St. Charles Hospital, Brookhaven Hospital, Little Flower, and other schools in, and out, of district. In addition, he was a producer of a variety program for the South Ocean Avenue PTA, called “Split Splash.” This show was the first that Paul and his colleagues brought to the school and the community.  “Split Splash,” “Ditto,” “Divvy-Up,” “Twofer” were Broadway musical reviews that included as many students as the stage was able to accommodate – all were encouraged and welcomed. After a brief time at Oregon Avenue Junior High School as acting assistant principal, Mr.  Hauser became administrative assistant to the Superintendent. His responsibilities in this position included educating and persuading residents to approve a school district budget that would allow for the building of a new high school, a new elementary school at Canaan Lake, an extension to River Avenue Elementary School and Barton Avenue Elementary, and a renovation of South Ocean Avenue Middle School.

In late 1967, while administrative assistant, Paul arranged for a plaque to be installed at the High School listing the names of former Patchogue-Medford students who had lost their lives in the Vietnam War.  He received support for this from the District, state politicians and national politicians, including Robert Kennedy who was the junior senator from New York at that time. He was responsible for teacher recruitment, including the bus tours to introduce new teachers to their new community. When he became Director of Pupil Personnel he was a strong supporter and proponent of bilingual education for the district. As principal of Barton Avenue Elementary School, he welcomed the students and staff every day with the “Bobcat Bounce”, he hand wrote birthday cards to his students, he had a initiated a Memorial Day ceremony for students and families, and he began a student exchange program with elementary students in France.  Paul ended his career at PatMed when he became Assistant Superintendent for Personnel in 1985, till his retirement in 1989.

In addition to his school career, Paul taught swimming lessons at the Patchogue Pool and became the pool manager in 1959. His water pageants, which he planned to end the pool’s summer season, became a favorite for children and their families, and were attended by thousands.  He established a Village high school girls choir which performed locally and he performed in his own musical group, the “Bostonians,” at local events.  He was a member of the Village of Patchogue Council of the Performing Arts, helping to secure performers for the Shorefront Park bandshell.

Paul E. Hauser was a special and valuable person in the Patchogue- Medford School District and the community. In respect for this man, on the day of his funeral, the flags at all school district buildings were flown at half mast by order of the Superintendent.