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Patchogue-Medford’s school board responded Tuesday afternoon to Superintendent Donna Jones’ retirement announcement, outlining a detailed transition plan while celebrating the schools leader’s transformative impact on the district.
Jones, who announced her retirement to the community earlier on Tuesday, will conclude her tenure on June 30, capping a 31-year career in public education. The board’s written response, addressed to Patchogue-Medford families, highlighted Jones’ 16-year tenure with the district, including six years as superintendent, during which she oversaw significant academic improvements across the district’s schools.
The board has developed a two-phase succession plan.
First, they aim to appoint an interim superintendent by the end of May, allowing for a transition period with Jones before the start of 2025-2026 school year. The interim schools chief is expected to serve for one academic year while the board conducts a comprehensive search for a permanent superintendent.
The board said that search will begin in fall 2025, with the board planning to engage professional search firms specializing in educational leadership recruitment. The process will incorporate input from various stakeholders, including parents, community members, students, administrators, teachers, and district support personnel, the board said in its letter to the district community.
The board anticipates making a final selection in spring 2026, with the new superintendent in place for the 2026-2027 school year.
In their statement, board members praised Jones’ “extraordinary ability to identify long-term goals” and her “strategic thinking and compassionate approach.” Under her leadership since 2019, the district’s progress has been demonstrated by the number of schools designated as “Schools in Need of Improvement” dropping from eight to just one.
Jones is also credited for successfully guiding the district through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and secured voter approval for a major facilities improvement bond.
“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,” the board stated, emphasizing what they called a legacy of fostering an “inclusive, nurturing and supportive community” that will be “felt by generations to come.”
Jones, who had one year remaining on her current contract, expressed in her morning announcement a desire to “explore new opportunities and spend more time with my family and friends.”
Top photo: Pat-Med Superintendent Donna Jones takes her annual oath of office last summer (Facebook).
