Bellmore-Merrick Superintendent Retires; Board Names Replacement

BELLMORE-MERRICK, NY — John DeTommaso, superintendent of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District for the last eight years, has announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2021.

DeTommaso began his career in Bellmore-Merrick in 1988 as a social studies teacher at Wellington C. Mepham High School. After serving in that role for six years, he assumed the position of director of athletics for the district for two years, before becoming assistant principal at Sanford H. Calhoun High School. In 2003, DeTommaso temporarily departed the district to become the principal of Bethpage High School, where he served for six years, and thereafter served as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the Bethpage School District for four years.

In March 2013, DeTommaso returned to Bellmore-Merrick to serve as the superintendent.

“During this time, DeTommaso has done an exceptional job in fulfilling the duties as our educational leader,” read Board President Gina Piskin in a letter at the Nov. 4 Board of Education meeting. “The growth of our district during his tenure can be measured in numerous ways and by a multitude of achievements among our students and staff.”

Board trustee Janet Goller said it was an honor and privilege to work with DeTommaso. “The vision and changes you have brought to this district have made a tremendous impact and we have all benefitted from your commitment,” she added. “You are leaving behind a legacy.”

The board appointed Michael Harrington, the district’s current assistant superintendent of curriculum to the position, effective July 1, 2021.

Harrington began his career in 1998 as a social studies teacher in the Island Trees School District. After serving in that role for five years, he joined Bellmore-Merrick as an assistant principal at Calhoun High School in 2003. Harrington was selected as principal of Mepham High School in 2008 where he served until 2017.

“During this time, Harrington showed extraordinary leadership in all areas of school administration, including instructional oversight, personnel management, budget administration and fostering a strong school and community culture,” Piskin said in a statement on behalf of the board. “Under his leadership, Mepham High School was highly successful in supporting student engagement and academic success.”

Harrington was appointed to his current position in 2017 and has been intricately involved with every district-wide decision made.

“He has proven he possesses the knowledge and ability to lead our district as we seek to provide the very best academic, co-curricular, extracurricular and student wellness experience for all our students,” Piskin added.

“I promise to continue the ongoing path of excellence that John has paved,” Harrington said to the board and community members.