ICYMI: Wantagh Superintendent Announces Retirement; Board Announces Replacement

During the Wantagh School District’s Board of Education meeting on Feb. 16, the board accepted the retirement of Superintendent of Schools Maureen Goldberg. Concurrently, the board unanimously appointed Assistant Superintendent for Instruction John McNamara to succeed Goldberg, effective July 1, 2017.

“On behalf of the entire board, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Mrs. Goldberg for her years of service and wish her a quiet and relaxing retirement,” said Board President Anthony Greco. “Mrs. Goldberg stepped into the role of superintendent during a time of administrative instability in our district, and her leadership skills and commitment to our district and students have helped Wantagh reach a higher level of achievement.”

Under Goldberg’s leadership, Wantagh has implemented full-day kindergarten; increased the overall rigor of academic offerings, including the implementation of AP Capstone, STEAM programs and the Chromebook initiative; enhanced facilities; and passed budgets compliant with the tax levy cap. Also during her tenure as superintendent, the high school graduation rate has remained steady at 99 to 100 percent and student enrollment in Advanced Placement courses has increased.

Goldberg joined the district in 1977 and served as a special education teacher, director of pupil personnel services and principal of Forest Lake Elementary School for 17 years before taking on the role of superintendent.

“It has been my privilege to spend the majority of my career in Wantagh,” she said. “I will take many fond memories of my time here with me into my retirement. I thank the board, the students, staff and community for their support during my years here. I am confident that Wantagh will continue to thrive under the leadership of Mr. McNamara.”

Upon learning of Goldberg’s intent to retire, the members of the board considered their options regarding the selection of the next superintendent. Following internal discussions, they concluded that McNamara had the professional qualities, personal integrity and strong familiarity with the community to lead Wantagh into the future.

“We are very fortunate to have such a qualified candidate who is already within the ranks of our administration succeed Mrs. Goldberg,” said Greco. “Mr. McNamara’s knowledge of our student and staff population, academic programs and vision for the future will allow for a seamless leadership transition. I have every confidence in his skills and look forward to working together to achieve our mutual goals.”

McNamara joined the Wantagh School District as assistant superintendent for instruction in July 2015 from the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District, where he served for six years as the middle school principal. He has also worked as an assistant principal in the Harborfields School District and as a social studies department chairperson for Island Trees Middle School. He began his educational career as a social studies teacher.

McNamara holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Providence College, a master’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in social studies education from Stony Brook University, and school district administrator certification from Touro College.

“It is truly an honor to be appointed as the next superintendent,” he said. “I thank the board for having the confidence in me to serve in this role. I am excited to continue working with the entire school community to sustain and support the excellence, tradition and vision of the Wantagh School District.”

Photo: Wantagh School District