Long Beach Appoints New Assistant Superintendent

LONG BEACH, NY - From Long Beach Public Schools: The Long Beach Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of a new assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. Dr. AJ Hepworth will join the district as of July 1 to fill the role held by Dr. Jennifer Gallagher, who now serves as superintendent of schools. His experience as an educational administrator goes back to 2004 and includes a variety of leadership responsibilities.

Dr. Hepworth has been an assistant superintendent/director of school quality in the New York City Department of Education for the past three years. In this capacity, he has identified and promoted how well schools are organized to support student learning and teacher practice to ensure effectiveness of programs. He has also provided support to directors, trained principals and building leaders and developed resources for professional development. Prior to this post, he served as principal of the Nassau BOCES Long Island
High School for the Arts and Doshi STEM Institute. There he oversaw staff members, coordinated professional development, led building initiatives, established partnerships with colleges and managed budget plans, events, scheduling, exams and school-home communications.

For nine years, Dr. Hepworth was a member of the Mineola Union Free School District as an instructional leader for K-12 math, science and technology. He was involved in numerous developments, including the implementation of academic programs, launch of an iPad initiative and a redesign of science curriculum to focus on inquiry-based learning and align with the Next Generation Science Standards. Earlier in his career, he taught science and advised clubs at Dodd Middle School in Freeport and Oceanside High School in Oceanside. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Adelphi University.

Dr. Hepworth earned his Doctorate of Education in educational administration, leadership and technology from Dowling College. He obtained his professional diplomas in school district administration and school administrator and supervisor as well as his Master of Science degree in education in Earth science from LIU Post. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and biology from the University at Albany.

“We met with many candidates during the hiring process this year and were very impressed by Dr. Hepworth’s background and expertise,” Dr. Gallagher said. “Hisenthusiasm and energy will be a great fit for our leadership team!”

“Long Beach is a wonderfully unique community that celebrates its diversity by educating globally conscious citizens,” said Dr. Hepworth. “I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to support its public schools in furthering their successes for all students and staff.”

Photo courtesy of Long Beach Public Schools