Longtime School District Educator Promoted To Superintendent

EAST ROCKAWAY, NY — The East Rockaway School District Board of Education has named its new superintendent.

James DeTommaso was unanimously voted for the promotion at the May 24 Board of Education meeting.

DeTommaso, who rejoined East Rockaway as assistant superintendent last year, started his educational career at the Junior-Senior High School, serving as a special education teacher and varsity football and lacrosse coach.

He begins his tenure as superintendent on July 1, following the retirement of current superintendent Lisa Ruiz.

"It will be both an honor and privilege to lead the East Rockaway School District as the next superintendent of schools," DeTommaso said in a statement. "After serving the community in numerous roles for over 28 years, I returned to my professional home because I believe this is a special place with unlimited potential. I want to give back all the life lessons and knowledge I have gained from the community as the leader of the district."

Prior to his second stint with East Rockaway, DeTommaso had served for three years as principal of West Hempstead High School.

He plans to incorporate 21st-century skills that build critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration in the student body, the district said.