A Message from the Islip Board of Education

Dear Islip Students, Faculty, Staff, and Families:

The Board of Education would like to announce that it has received Dr. O'Hara's letter of resignation. The Board ​and Dr. O'Hara have agreed that he will depart from his position as Superintendent ​of Schools effective November 30, 2026.

In the last five years while serving as Islip's Superintendent of Schools, Dr. O'Hara, the Board of Education, and our committed team of dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators have led the Islip School District through an era of marked improvement. This includes notable growth in student achievement; a large increase in the number of students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses, along with higher AP test scores; improvements to our plant and facilities; and many other accomplishments.

The Board of Education expresses its appreciation for Dr. O'Hara's hard work, his leadership, and his role in moving Islip Schools forward.

As we move into a new chapter here in Islip, this Board remains committed to its Mission Statement of: "The Islip Board of Education, in partnership with the community, will ​empower all students to achieve excellence and reach their full potential. Learner-focused instruction will provide the whole child with the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to become a productive and successful member of society."

Thus, in the immediate future, the Board of Education will be considering and interviewing selected candidates for the position of Interim Superintendent of Schools. The Board expects the Interim Superintendent of Schools will serve in this position for the remainder of the school year as we ​begin the process of seeking and hiring a new Superintendent for the 2027-2028 school year.

The Board of Education will provide the community with an outline ​of the timeline and process for a comprehensive search for our new Superintendent. The process will include involvement and input from those in our school community. ​Additional information on this important endeavor will be provided in the near future.

In the meantime, the Board of Education remains committed to ensuring that every student continues to ​receive an exceptional education during this period of transition.

Sincerely,
The Islip Board of Education