Malverne Schools Announce New Superintendent

At its Feb. 11 meeting, the Malverne Board of Education will be accepting the contract for Dr. Lorna R. Lewis as its next superintendent of schools. Superintendent James Hunderfund is set to retire at the end of this school year, after 13 years at the helm.

“After an extensive search and rigorous process, the board and I are excited to welcome Dr. Lewis to our community,” Board of Education President Danielle Hopkins said. “Dr. Lewis brings a wealth of experience and perspectives that will drive our district into the future.”

Lewis began her career teaching mathematics and Advanced Placement Physics at the Collegiate School in New York City. She then served in various administrative capacities, including being a science chair in Rockville Centre School District, science director in Uniondale School District, deputy superintendent in the Three Village Central School District and superintendent in the East Williston School District. She currently serves as the superintendent of schools in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District. Additionally, she has been an adjunct professor at Hofstra University, where she was the instructor of graduate science methods courses.

An active member of many professional associations, Lewis serves as the past president of the New York State Council of School Superintendents and also co-chairs its curriculum committee. She is past president of LIASCD and the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents, and is on the board of ERASE Racism.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be following my esteemed colleague Jim Hunderfund, who has accomplished so much already for the students and community of Malverne,” Lewis said. “I am truly honored to be chosen to build upon these successes, and move the district into the next era of outstanding achievements.”

Lewis received her Bachelor of Science in physics from Fordham University and went on to earn three master’s degrees before completing her doctorate in science education from Teachers College at Columbia University. She has received awards from ERASE Racism, the NAACP, Nassau BOCES Education Partners, National Coalition of Black Women, St. John’s University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, the Korean Parents Association of Long Island, the Long Island Black Educators Association and the Suffolk County Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.

With more than 40 years in the education field, Lewis is leaving the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District this June. She begins her tenure at Malverne effective Aug. 1, 2020. A special Meet and Greet with Lewis will be held for the community on Thursday, March 5, at 7 p.m., in the Malverne Performing Arts Center.