Commack Superintendent To Resign

COMMACK, NY — Donald A. James, superintendent of the Commack School District, on Monday announced he plans to resign. James, in a letter to the community, said he will leave the position by Nov. 30.

James accepted a position as the head of a private company, he said.

"Know that I have been truly honored to have served the students and staff as the Superintendent of Commack Schools for the last 10+ years, and as you might expect, there are a multitude of emotions I am feeling related to this decision," James wrote. "However, the acceptance of this new position is the right decision for my family and I and allows me to continue to work in education in a way that supports professional learning opportunities for educators, and the development of new teachers and aspiring administrators."

James said he is confident that the district is in "great shape" going forward.

"Schools have safely opened, and new programs have been implemented to support a successful transition back to everyday 'brick and mortar' school for students," he said regarding the coronavirus pandemic's impact on schools.

James said he will assure a smooth transition to an acting or interim superintendent is made over the next several months.

"One of the reasons I am so confident in a smooth transition and continued success is that Commack has a great administrative team, a committed group of teachers, and an amazing staff and Board of Education that will assure the District functions seamlessly through this transition," James said.

James shared some of the district's accomplishments during his tenure as superintendent, including Commack High School being named a National Blue-Ribbon School of Excellence Winner for the 2020-2021 school year; budget stability with more than $35 million in reserves; the installation of solar panels across the district; and a $68 million bond issue.