Pat-Med Expects To Appoint Interim Superintendent Of Schools By May, Or Sooner

PATCHOGUE, NY — Patchogue-Medford School District officials anticipate having an interim superintendent for one school year and will likely make their selection by the end of May or sooner to allow for a transition period, according to a letter to the community.

The Board of Education will interview candidates over the next few months to assume the interim position, which will be filled to replace outgoing Superintendent of Schools Donna Jones, who will retire on June 30 after 31 years in public education.

Jones came to the district in July 2010 as the district’s assistant superintendent for business, and in 2018, she was appointed deputy superintendent of schools. A year later, in 2019, Jones was appointed interim superintendent of schools, and in 2020, superintendent of schools.

In her retirement message, Jones said she is "truly proud of some of the transformative work" during her tenure in the district.

"I certainly would not have been able to accomplish as much without the unwavering support of the Board of Education, members of my cabinet, administrators, teachers, and dedicated support staff," she said. "Together, with our students and their families, we not only survived but thrived in some of the most historically challenging of times.”

Jones reflected on her challenges in the district, noting eight of the 11 schools in the district were designated as Schools in Need of Improvement. Now only one of the schools has the designation and it is "still making significant progress each year," she said.

The Special Education Department also required Target Skills Assistance from the state due to consistently missing the mark for Indicator Compliance, but that has since been removed.

"These two categories of improvement have been a few of my proudest accomplishments," she added.

Jones released another statement this week following some speculation that her retirement was in response to recent social media posts, saying that the comments are "absolutely untrue" and that her retirement plans have been discussed for several years now with district officials.

"Part of those discussions have been a reflection on the fact that most of the objectives I wanted to achieve as superintendent have been met," she said.

Jones said she has placed the district on solid financial footing, noting that last May, a bond referendum was approved that will have "a significant, positive impact on generations of students into the future."

Jones touched on recent comments on social media that district officials previously described as "hateful" and concerned the school's stance on Immigration and Customs Enforcement on campuses. The district's X account was taken down following the comments, which officials said contained "misinformation."

"With all these accomplishments, it just felt right that this would be the time for me to step down, pass the mantle to new district leadership, explore new opportunities, and spend more time with my family and friends," she said. "I have faced negative comments in the past, many far worse than what appeared several weeks ago."

"I learned a long time ago not to let these misinformed, misguided, and many times vile, and vicious comments rattle me or in any way interfere with my dedication and commitment to my
Patchogue-Medford students, families, and community," she said. "I am looking forward to the next five months as a period of continued success, student achievement, and exciting opportunities for district growth.

Board of Education President Marc Negrin said that under Jones’ leadership, the district has seen "a remarkable vision come to life — one that prioritizes the needs of all students, staff, and community members."

He described Jones as having "an extraordinary ability to identify long-term goals, ensuring that our District not only addresses immediate challenges, but also prepares for a successful future."

"Her strategic thinking and compassionate approach have created an
environment in which everyone can thrive," he said, adding that Jones’ "unwavering commitment and inspirational leadership — as well as her steadfast dedication to fostering an inclusive, nurturing, and supportive community — is a legacy that will be felt for generations to come."

"Her steady leadership and caring approach have had a positive and far-reaching impact on District staff and the lives of the countless students and families she has touched over her 16 years in our district," he said.

Jones described "very challenging times that have seemed too often as though society at large has lost their moral compass, along with civility, respect, and care for humanity."

She offered a "humble suggestion" as she passes the "prestigious mantle," school district officials should "continue to move this district forward by pledging your commitment to caring deeply for our students, believing that all students can learn regardless of race, socio-economic status or developmental disabilities and that you imbue passion and purpose when times are difficult to remind us of why we do this challenging work every single day ….. All means all."