East Islip School Building To Be Named After Retiring Superintendent

EAST ISLIP, NY — An East Islip school center will be named after a beloved educator, who was recently honored for his dedication to district students.

The Early Childhood Center, where many board meetings take place, will be renamed the John V. Dolan District Office Building, after the retiring East Islip Superintendent of Schools.

Board of education president Christopher Zachry announced the renaming at a meeting last week, as community members bid an "emotional" farewell to Dolan.

Dolan will retire effective Feb. 3.

“John was just perfect for East Islip,” board of education president Christopher Zachry said. “When I think back to where we were when John took over, from the team down to the academic programs to what this place looks like, compared to eight years ago it’s just a totally different place. He always gives credit to the board and his team, but really John deserves a lot of the credit for this.”

Dolan became superintendent in 2015. Since then, he oversaw "a renaissance of stability and growth" in the district’s schools and staff. His "heartfelt manner and accomplished legacy will not be easily forgotten by a grateful school community," the district said.

Zachry also saved particular praise for Dolan’s stalwart leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, his assembling of a "strong central administration team and his selfless volunteerism" for the community.

Calling him “East Islip’s adopted son,” Zachry presented Dolan with an honorary diploma and announced the building renaming.

“The work you’ve done here has not only impacted the staff and children that are here now, but for generations to come,” Zachry said.

Before he came to East Islip, Dolan was principal of Sachem High School North for five years. He came to Sachem after serving as a principal in Smithtown and a 15-year stint as a teacher in the Patchogue-Medford district

The current Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Personnel Paul Manzo, will be interim superintendent, effective Feb. 1.

“This has been the most incredible eight years of my career,” Dolan said. “From the bottom of my heart, I got a lot more out of East Islip than I gave to you. Thank you for letting me serve. I look forward to the next chapter here in East Islip. This is a great town with a great school district, and it’s only going to get better.”