Dear Half Hollow Hills Family,
The Half Hollow Hills Board of Education is excited to announce an important development in our Superintendent Search. After careful deliberation, we have decided to suspend the search and appoint an internal candidate to lead our district into the future. This decision ensures the continuity of the exceptional educational standards and outcomes that define Half Hollow Hills, while positioning us to seize new opportunities for growth in academics, athletics and the arts.
After we collaborated with our search consultants from Western Suffolk BOCES on finalizing advertisements for external candidates, we became aware that we had a strong internal candidate prepared and eager to take on the role. Through numerous conversations and a formal interview process, the Board unanimously agreed that this candidate possesses the leadership qualities, institutional knowledge, and vision needed to guide Half Hollow Hills in the years ahead. While we carefully considered the potential of external candidates, the unique insights and deep understanding of our district and its stakeholders are invaluable assets that cannot be replicated.
In selecting our next Superintendent of Schools, we reflected on our past successes, current challenges, and aspirations for the future. We recognized that this leader must deeply understand what makes Half Hollow Hills unique, and must embody the spirit of trust and partnership required to lead a district of this caliber. This individual must not only be an expert in education, but also adept in fostering community and relationships to navigate an ever-changing world with clarity and purpose.
Therefore, it is with great pride that we introduce our next Superintendent of Schools. He is a familiar face who has served this district with distinction for 24 years, first as a Middle School Science Teacher, then as the Director of Science and Technology, and currently as the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education - Mr. John O’Farrell.
Although we are suspending the formal search, the Board will continue to gather valuable community feedback through the superintendent survey. We encourage all members of the Half Hollow Hills community—families, staff, and residents—to share your thoughts and priorities by completing the survey before the deadline of December 31, 2024. Your responses will help us shape a “Portrait of Leadership” to guide both the Board and Mr. O’Farrell as we work together to achieve our strategic goals.
To further strengthen this partnership, we plan to host an open forum in the new year, where the community can meet with Mr. O’Farrell, ask questions, and hear his vision for the district.
Meanwhile, we are fortunate to have Mr. Brian Conboy continue as our Interim Superintendent through the end of the school year. During this time, Mr. O’Farrell will serve as Deputy Superintendent while maintaining his current responsibilities. He will work closely with Mr. Conboy to ensure a smooth and seamless transition as he prepares to officially assume the role of Superintendent of Schools on July 1, 2025.
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Half Hollow Hills community for your engagement and support throughout this process. Your input and partnership have been invaluable in shaping our vision for the future. With Mr. O’Farrell’s leadership, the mentorship of Mr. Conboy, and the collaborative efforts of our families, staff and community members, we are confident that this transition will strengthen our district’s proud tradition of excellence.
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to the exciting journey ahead.
Warm regards,
Diana Acampora
President, Half Hollow Hills Board of Education