A Message from Superintendent of Schools Dennis P. O'Hara

October 15, 2026

Dear Islip Students, Faculty, Staff, and Families:

I am writing to share that I was appointed last evening as Superintendent of Schools in the South Country Central School District, effective December 1, 2026. I am grateful for my time in the Islip School District and proud of the many improvements and accomplishments over the last five years. Working with students, faculty, staff, families, community members, and the Board of Education has been a privilege.

Together, we have accomplished much. We strengthened school safety with hardened entrances, a command center, more training, and a stronger partnership with our School Resource Officer. We added school counselors, social workers, and psychologists to support our students' well-being. Our elementary schools came off New York State's Targeted Support and Improvement list; math scores in grades 3 through 5 reached their highest levels in ten years; and ELA scores surpassed the county average for the first time in a decade. At the high school, we now enjoy higher standing in state and national rankings, more students are enrolled in rigorous courses and are also taking advantage of new CTE opportunities, such as aviation through BOCES and welding in our high school. Additionally, we now provide a full continuum of special education services in every school.

We also opened new doors. We launched our first UPK program for our youngest learners, a STEAM program in grades K to 5, added literacy and math coaches in our elementary schools, and took students in grades 7 through 12 on college visits across multiple states. We restored the high school musical, brought back elementary clubs, and expanded athletics with middle school track and field, field hockey, competitive cheer, and Unified Bowling and Basketball. Through careful work with our Board of Education and business office, we have embarked on an energy performance contract which will enable Islip to make $14 million in infrastructure upgrades at almost no cost to taxpayers.

What stays with me are the moments between the milestones: Meet the Teacher nights and PTA meetings; the concerts and the games; classroom visits; Islip Rising; homecoming and Post Prom; graduation and moving up ceremonies; and the many conversations with students, faculty, staff, parents, and neighbors. Those are the moments that make a school community special.

Our Board of Education, administrators, teachers, and staff are committed to students, and I leave knowing that Islip is on a positive trajectory. I wish each of you, and the Islip School District, success and ​happiness. Thank you for the honor of being your superintendent.

With respect, admiration, and gratitude,
Dennis P. O'Hara, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools