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Former Patchogue-Medford schools superintendent Michael Hynes pleaded not guilty Friday to an upgraded charge of second-degree vehicular assault in connection with an alleged DWI crash that seriously injured a motorcyclist in Sayville last November.
At his arraignment, state Supreme Court Judge John Collins also pulled the longtime school administrator’s driving privileges. He ordered Hynes’ driver’s license suspended pending prosecution.
Hynes, 54, of Sayville, was initially charged with driving while intoxicated following the Nov. 24 crash that left 63-year-old Alberto Fernandez of Sayville hospitalized with serious injuries. Prosecutors have since added the vehicular assault charge. Hynes has now pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Police said Hynes was driving a 2019 Honda Civic north on Railroad Avenue around 9:05 p.m. when he attempted to turn left onto Depot Street and collided with a 2022 Harley-Davidson motorcycle heading south.
Authorities previously stated that Hynes had a blood alcohol level of at least 0.08 at the time of the crash. Court records also allege he exhibited signs of intoxication, including “bloodshot glassy eyes, slurred speech and was unsteady on his feet” when questioned by officers at the scene.
Hynes, a longtime educator who in 2023 made $343,000 as Port Washington schools’ superintendent, has gained national attention in the past for his criticisms of Common Core and standardized testing, as well as his calls to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. He also has served as superintendent of Shelter Island schools.
His next court appearance is scheduled for April 11.
Top photo: Michael Hynes now faces a vehicular assault charge, in addition to a DWI charge (GLI file photo).
