South Country School District appoints new superintendent

A change in leadership. A new superintendent was appointed tonight for a school district facing financial troubles, but the move is also met with some controversy. News 12's Jenna Rae Gardner explains. I pledge to earn your trust, your respect, and I can guarantee you that every decision and recommendation that I make will be students first. Dennis O'Hara says he's excited to step into the superintendent role at South Country Schools despite the district's financial challenges. A school district is more than just a budget. It's about students and the people who live here, and I think the students that go to school here have tremendous potential. O'Hara is currently the superintendent at Islip Public Schools, and many co-workers came to show their support. But some community members expressed concern because of previous sexual harassment allegations against O'Hara that were later dismissed. As News 12 reported, O'Hara was working a summer job as a lifeguard when he was accused of taking photos of female lifeguards. He seems to have experience with schools, and that's great. But in view of the fact that he's been involved with, at least accused of taking pictures of people that were inappropriate for a person in his position, you have to wonder how much faith and confidence that the public can have in that person. After an investigation, all allegations were cleared. I was exonerated and fully exonerated in three separate independent investigations. O'Hara is also moving into a financially troubled district. Have faith and give us time. We're going to have to be disciplined with the finances and that's the way we're going to build back up. In East Patchogue, Suffolk County, Jenna Rae Gardner, News 12.