Mattituck-Cutchogue BOE Set To Appoint New Superintendent

MATTITUCK, NY — The Mattituck-Cutchogue Board of Education is set to appoint its new superintendent at the June 10 meeting — and the man taking the helm is a familiar face in the district.

At the BOE's May 13 meeting, board president Barbara Wheaton announced that Mattituck Jr./Sr. High School Principal Shawn Petretti would be taking the reins as the next superintendent of schools, effective July 1.

In March, Jill Gierasch, superintendent of the Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District, said that she would be moving onand would serve as the new superintendent of schools in Cold Spring Harbor.

The BOE discussed their search for her successor.

"One of the most significant and important responsibilities of a board of education is the selection and appointment of a school district’s superintendent of schools," the BOE said. "Following a thorough analysis of the district’s past achievements and future goals, the board made the unanimous decision to focus their search on the most highly qualified candidates currently working within the school district."

Petretti, the BOE said, "brings a wealth of experience and a unique familiarity with the Mattituck-Cutchogue School District to his new role, having devoted the last 24 years to serving the school district and community."

During that time, Petretti has served the district as a teacher assistant, social studies teacher, high school dean, high school assistant principal, and as the high school principal for the past 16 years, the BOE said.

Petretti earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Potsdam College in history and secondary education and a master’s degree from Long Island University at C.W. Post in school administration and supervision, the district said.

“The board of education is confident of his proven leadership, his commitment to the community, educational connections, and his overall desire to do what is best for all students, faculty, parents and community,” Wheaton said. “This appointment is the right decision for the future success of our school district.”

Petretti spoke about his next chapter.

“Since day one in the Mattituck-Cutchogue School District, I have been inspired by the students, families, this community, and all of the faculty and staff that I have worked with,” he said. “This is truly a special place and I consider it a privilege to continue to work with all stakeholders. I look forward to the coming years as we advance this already successful school district to ensure that it is a place where our educators encourage and support all of our students to reach their highest potential.”

The BOE also recognized the need to select the next high school principal in a timely manner to ensure a smooth transition for the staff and students; to that end the board will be appointing Mattituck Jr./Sr. High School Assistant Principal David Smith as the next principal effective July 1 during the June 10 board of education meeting.

Smith has served the district for the past 16 years, the BOE said. He began as a band teacher and next, was appointed as the chair of the music department. After receiving his administrative certification, he became the high school assistant principal, a position he has held for the past 15 years. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Fredonia College and a master’s degree from Stony Brook University in School Administration and Supervision.

“It is hard to believe that I've spent 26 years in Mattituck. The school has become not only a sense of pride, it has become a large part of who I am,” Smith said. “The opportunity to become the building principal is truly a dream come true. I am excited for the opportunity and want to thank the board of education and community for this opportunity. It is an honor to continue in the rich tradition of MHS.”

“The board of education is excited to make these announcements and we are sure our future is in good hands,” Wheaton said.