Islip Superintendent Dr. Semel Honored As She Retires

ISLIP, NY — Islip Superintendent Dr. Ellen Semel is retiring, and the Islip Board of Education honored her at a recent meeting. Dr. Semel served in the position since 2018,and Dr. Dennis O'Hara will take over beginning July 1.

Before becoming superintendent, Dr. Semel was the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction and K-5 director of instruction.

“Dr. Semel has dedicated at 33-year career in education— the last 15 here in Islip—to being a champion for public schools, students and staff,” Islip board President Philip Dineen said.

“Beginning her career as a classroom teacher, Dr. Semel developed a passion for educating and inspiring young minds. Although her titles have changed throughout her tenure, what remained permanent was Dr. Semel’s focus on ensuring all students were provided a robust education that met their diverse learning needs and personal interests."

“I thank you all for sharing not just your children, but your stories, your celebrations, your weddings, the births, the wonderful times and the sad times too, the mourning and the losses. We shared them all together and it is by sharing all of those experiences that we get to be human with each other. I am so fortunate to have landed in a town like Islip. The community, the quilt of people who have offered their support, has been truly remarkable," Dr. Semel said.