Pat-Med super resigns

Patchogue-Medford School District Superintendent Dr. Donna Jones released this letter to staff as on Monday, Feb. 10:

"Last night, I submitted my letter of resignation for the purposes of retirement to our Board of Education, effective June 30, 2025.

The Board and I have been discussing when I would be retiring for several years. In tandem, we have also been discussing succession plans to ensure that there would be a seamless transition to new leadership. And while I still have another year on my contract, I believe now is an opportune time to step down, explore new opportunities and spend more time with my family and friends.

I just completed my 31st year in public education and am truly proud of some of the transformative work that has occurred during my tenure as superintendent. I certainly would not have been able to accomplish much without the unwavering support of the Board of Education, members of my cabinet, administrators, teachers and dedicated support staff. Together, with our students and their families, we not only survived but thrived in some of the most historically challenging of times.

When I was appointed as superintendent of schools six years ago, I inherited eight of our eleven schools being designated as Schools in Need of Improvement. Today, only one of our schools has a designation and that school is still making significant progress each year. In addition, I inherited a Special Education Department requiring Target Skills Assistance from the State due to consistently missing the mark for Indicator Compliance. Six years later, our District was removed from Targeted Assistance status and we have made significant improvements to State Indicator Compliance. These two categories of improvement have been a few of my proudest accomplishments.

I am also proud that we adopted measures to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. This has included Restorative Practices, an approach that provides all students with an opportunity to learn from their mistakes. And through this practice, I along with principals, assistant principals, deans, social workers, psychologists and guidance counselors have gotten to know many families and assist them in some of their most challenging times.

I’m equally proud that when other districts were facing budget cuts due to State Aid reductions, we were able to sustain all programs, improve supports for children, and retain all staff members. Last, but not least, I’m proud that we banded together as a united community to pass a tremendous bond referendum that will provide benefits to future generations of students for years to come. And as we fought through a Pandemic, wild fires, bomb threats, unfunded mandates, culture wars and fiscal cliffs, I can proudly proclaim that we as a district and I as a superintendent never took my eyes off of the care and concern for our children. Many of my days started with prayer for the children and their families because I wanted nothing less for every child that I served than I would want for my own grandchildren. This job cannot be done effectively without grit, determination and care for an entire system.

To the Board and staff, we are living through very challenging times that have seemed too often as though society at large has lost their moral compass, along with civility, respect and care for humanity. If I may offer one humble suggestion as I pass this prestigious mantle, it would be that you continue to move this district forward by pledging your commitment to caring deeply for our students, believing that all students can learn regardless of race, socio economic status or developmental disabilities and that you imbue passion and purpose when times are difficult to remind us of why we do this challenging work every single day…..ALL MEANS ALL!

In discussing the transition plan, I have suggested, and the Board has agreed, that I should focus heavily on those aspects of district operations that will help ensure a smooth transition to new district leadership that will take place in July. As this is budget season, a good portion of that time will also be focused on working with the Board, my district administration team, and our building leadership to prepare a 2025-2026 budget that supports the progress and accomplishments we have made over the past several years, while remaining sensitive to our taxpayers. I will also be working on formulating plans to develop a seamless school opening for a new leader.

The Patchogue-Medford School District has been my professional home for the past 15 years. I have had the distinct honor and privilege of serving as the superintendent of schools for the past six. This district has given me experiences and opportunities that I will forever cherish. I have been able to work alongside some of Long Island’s most amazing and exceptional educators within the district and beyond; I’ve had the good fortune to work with Board of Education members whose only focus and intentions have been to provide our students with a world-class education in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment; and I’ve worked with district staff who are dedicated and committed to excellence in everything they do.

We have made great strides together. I will look back with great pride and gratitude for the collaborative partnership we have been able to forge between the district and the families of the Patchogue-Medford community over the years. Together, we were able to raise the level of excellence in all our schools to achieve many accomplishments.

I am looking forward to making these next five months as your superintendent of schools a period of continued success, student achievement, exciting opportunities for district growth and ensuring a smooth transfer of district leadership in June.

From my heart, thank you again for these past 15 years. While our journey together will be coming to a close, it is not ending quite yet. Let’s make the second half of this school year amazing together"

The announcement comes shortly after the U.S. Department of Justice recently changed its position as to where the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency may conduct immigration enforcement actions.

Previously, the DOJ would not allow immigration officials to conduct enforcement actions in “sensitive places” such as governmental buildings, courts, houses of worship and schools.

However, under the DOJ’s new policy, immigration officials may now engage in enforcement actions in “sensitive places” including schools.

According to the Pat-Med board of education, "this has caused alarm for many and given rise to a host of legal questions regarding how school districts across the nation may interact with immigration officials."

In response to these concerns, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donna Jones issued correspondence to the district’s administrators reaffirming long-standing legal precedents implementing a procedure for responding to immigration officials at district schools.

"This correspondence was subsequently shared on social media and grossly mischaracterized by many, in a shameful effort to malign her," a letter from the board of education read. "The Board of Education rejects these disturbing and inappropriate comments. Dr. Jones’ email communication accurately reflects the district’s legal obligation to provide a free and appropriate public education to all students in the district. More importantly, it is reflective of the district’s mission statement to provide diverse pathways and varied enrichment opportunities that will lead to meaningful learning experiences for all students."

The Board of Education appointed Dr. Jones to serve as Superintendent of Schools in January of 2020, after nearly a decade of prior service to the District as an Assistant Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent.

"The Board of Education is appreciative of and fully supports Dr. Jones in her leadership as Superintendent of Schools. Together, we are committed to making the many stories of all our students into the one community that is Patchogue-Medford," the letter continued.

"Consistent with the correspondence issued by our Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education wants to make clear to the Patchogue-Medford community that, as always, we will comply with all Federal, State, and local laws, as well as the Constitutions of the United States and the State of New York. As the New York State Governor, Attorney General, and Education Department made clear in a recently issued joint guidance document, “New York State Guidance on Safeguarding the Rights of Immigrant Students”,[1] school districts in the State of New York have an obligation to abide by these laws when interacting with immigration officials. The Board of Education under the leadership of our Superintendent of Schools is committed to providing these educational opportunities to all students, regardless of their immigration status."

"The district will continue to cooperate with our partners on the Federal and State while faithfully and fully upholding the laws and constitutional protections of our students and faculty. This commitment will be carried out consistent with our mission of providing meaningful educational opportunities to all students. As such, the Board of Education and the district’s administration will continue to consult with our attorneys to ensure we continue to do so during any interactions with immigration officials."