Northport-East Northport Appoints New Fine Arts Director

NORTHPORT, NY — The Northport-East Northport Board of Education has appointed Dr. Patrick Kennedy as the district’s next director of fine and performing arts, with the appointment taking effect July 1.

Kennedy will replace current director of fine and performing
arts, Dr. Izzet Mergen, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

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Kennedy joins Northport-East Northport after most recently serving as the district coordinator for fine and applied arts in the Seaford Union Free School District, where he provided instructional leadership across multiple K-12 departments, supported curriculum development and implementation aligned to the New York State Learning Standards, and led professional development and districtwide initiatives focused on instructional improvement and student engagement

Kennedy previously served in the Great Neck Public Schools as a music teacher and summer recreation director, where he taught elementary music, supported ensembles and schoolwide arts programming, and contributed to building and district leadership through committee work and operational
support. Earlier in his career, he taught general music and directed ensembles in the New York City Department of Education, where he worked with students across elementary and middle school settings to develop performance-based music programs and foster student
participation in the arts.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kennedy as our new director of fine and performing arts,” Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching Dr. Candice Brodie said. “Our district has a long-celebrated tradition of excellence in the arts that our community deeply values, and we are confident that Dr. Kennedy will both honor and build upon that legacy. With a strong vision for expanding opportunities and fostering creativity, he will play a key role in inspiring our students, supporting our talented staff and ensuring our programs continue to thrive at the highest level.”

Kennedy holds a Bachelor of Music, a Master of Science in music education and a Certificate of Advanced Study in music education from Queens College; a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Leadership from The College of Saint Rose; and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership in innovation and continuous improvement from Concordia University.

“I am excited to join the Northport-East Northport team,” Dr. Kennedy said. “The school community has a rich tradition of excellence in the arts, and I look forward to supporting and building upon that work. I am eager to collaborate with students, staff, and families to continue strengthening arts education in a school district that clearly shares a deep commitment to its value. I believe every student deserves access to high-quality arts programs as an essential component of a well-rounded education, and I’m grateful to be joining a community that values that work. I especially look forward to getting into classrooms and rehearsal spaces and connecting with the talented educators and students who bring these programs to life.”