Schools

Board Searching for New Leader

After four decades in education, Plainview Superintendent Gerard W. Dempsey, Jr. will retire after this year.

Superintendent has decided to retire after the current school year and the Plainview-Old Bethpage has begun the search for a new leader.

Dempsey, whose career in education spans four decades and began as a social studies teacher in New York City, told the board of his decision over the summer, school officials said. He was not at Monday night's meeting; he was attending a state superintendent's meeting.

He had retired once before, in 2001, after teaching in a variety of Long Island school districts. He returned in leadership positions that led him to the helm of the Plainview district. Dempsey told the board that he wanted to spend more time with his wife of 40 years, Carol, and their children and grandchildren.

Find out what's happening in Plainviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Dempsey has been the superintendent at Plainview for the past four years. In his final year the board announced Dempsey will work with them to find our next superintendent.

The school board has begun reaching out to several search firms and consultants. Once a firm is retained, the interview process can begin.

Find out what's happening in Plainviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In a message on the district's website, the board said: "We are taking this responsibility very seriously. We know how important this decision is and the impact it will have on the long term success of our district.  We will keep updating the community on the status of our progress throughout the year."

Dempsey is a graduate of Fordham University with a bachelor's degree in history. He holds a masters of liberal studies from Stony Brook University.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here