Mattituck-Cutchogue School Superintendent Moving On To New Post

NORTH FORK, NY — Jill Gierasch, superintendent of the Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District, is moving on.

According to a message by the Cold Spring Harbor Board of Education on social media, the BOA appointed Gierasch as the new superintendent of schools.

Gierasch took the helm at the Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District in 2018, after former Superintendent Dr. Anne Smith retired.

Gierasch wrote a letter to parents and guardians: "For the past three years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving as the Superintendent of Schools in a wonderful community, where the Board of Education, faculty and staff as well as the community, place the educational experience for each learner in high regard," she said.

The district, she said, has made great strides in a number of areas "including the advancement of curriculum, additional course offerings, STEAM education, extra-curricular opportunities, expanded technology, professional development, security upgrades, community outreach, infrastructure, and general district operations.

"I am proud of these accomplishments, which were achieved by the collective efforts of all stakeholder groups," Gierasch said. She said she is "especially grateful" for the relationships and encouragement from the PTA, PTSA, booster clubs, community organizations and the district's families.

"Each of these accomplishments has strengthened the district and placed us firmly on the path for accomplishing future ready educational goals," Gierasch said. "The past year is an example of our community pulling together and setting the example for others to follow. While it was not easy at times, it was your commitment to the Mattituck-Cutchogue faculty, staff, and administration that allowed us to achieve such progress in difficult times."

The district is in the process of finalizing the 2021 to 2022 budget, she said.

"It is, therefore, with bittersweet emotions that I now inform you of an opportunity that has been presented to me and will take me onto the next pathway in my educational journey. Last night, I was appointed to the position of superintendent in the Cold Spring Harbor School District. With heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous opportunity I received in having been allowed to lead these outstanding schools, I have submitted my resignation as the Superintendent of Schools to the Board of Education, effective June 30, 2021," Gierasch said. "There is still a lot to be done prior to my departure from the district, including making sure that the district continues on its course of excellence and creating a smooth transition for my replacement. Be assured that I am committed to making this happen."

Gierasch began her career in public education in 1989 as an elementary teacher in the William Floyd School District. She also served as an elementary school teacher in the Bayport-Blue Point School District, an elementary school assistant principal in the Three Village Central School District, and an elementary school principal and assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, staff development, and assessment, for grades K through 5, in the Sachem Central School District.

In 2009, Gierasch joined the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District as assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction until 2015, when she was appointed to the position of deputy superintendent, before her move to the Mattituck-Cutchogue School District.

"In both districts, she can be credited for enhancing numerous experiences for students and families including an innovative STEAM curriculum, instituting advanced college and AP coursework at the secondary level, successful literacy and math initiatives K-12, and continuous community and family engagement," Amelia Walsh Brogan, president of the Cold Spring Harbor CSD Board of Education said. "Her knowledge of child and curriculum development spans across all learners, grade levels, and subjects, with a focus on future-ready skills and high-quality professional development for all staff members"

Brogan also pointed to Gierasch's knowledge in the fields of "budget development, oversight of capital projects, negotiations, mentoring new administrators, and developing a hiring process that attracts and secures quality candidates. . . The social-emotional and mental health of her students and staff has always been a priority. Under her leadership, her district instituted a wellness screener and is working with staff to further develop a safe environment where students can have greater access to counseling services and create schools that value respect and empathy."

Gierasch, Brogan added, is dedicated to building relationships with the school community by fostering collaboration and timely communication with stakeholder groups. "Ms. Gierasch looks forward to these opportunities in Cold Spring Harbor to embrace and learn more about the school district culture and build upon the historical success of the district for which we are known, and our students deserve," she said.