New Superintendent Chosen For Westhampton Beach School District

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY —A new successor has been chosen for the Westhampton Beach Union Free School District after current Superintendent Michael R. Radday's retirement this year.

Dr. Carolyn J. Probst will assume the role of superintendent after Radday retires, effective August 17.

After a five-month search, the Westhampton Beach UFSD Board of Education appointed Probst during the Jan. 25 board meeting. With an eye toward ensuring a smooth transition, Probst will join the district as deputy superintendent effective July 1, the district said.

Probst will join Westhampton Beach from the Hauppauge Public Schools, where she has served as assistant to the superintendent for educational services and student outcomes since 2017. Prior to her years in Hauppauge, Dr. Probst served as director of academic advancement and innovation for the West Hempstead Union Free School District and spent eight years at Westhampton Beach High School as an assistant principal and guidance counselor, the district said.

“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Probst back to Westhampton Beach,” Board of Education President Suzanne Mensch said. “When interviewing Dr. Probst, she met many of the qualities the board and community expect in our educational leader. She is strategic and thoughtful and brings with her a solid vision for the future of our schools and students. Additionally, her eight years in Westhampton Beach coupled with her current central office leadership experience will be a tremendous resource to our school community.”

Probst is excited to return to Westhampton beach.

“I began my career in Westhampton Beach and returning to lead the district will be my great honor,” she said. “I am excited to partner with the Board of Education, administrators, faculty, staff and the community to build upon the tradition of success in Westhampton Beach.”

Probst received her bachelor’s degree from American University; her master’s degrees in education leadership, school counseling and psychological counseling from Columbia University; and her doctorate degree in K-12 educational leadership and policy from Vanderbilt University, the district said.

Radday welcomed Probst: "I extend my congratulations to Dr. Probst on her appointment as the next superintendent of schools," he said. "I know her to be a dedicated and talented school leader. I look forward to working with her to ensure a smooth transition.”