Patchogue-Medford school superintendent announces resignation
In a letter to the community, Dr. Donna Jones announced she plans to step down at the end of the school year.
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The search is underway for a new superintendent in the Patchogue-Medford School District.
In a letter to the community, Dr. Donna Jones announced she plans to step down at the end of the school year.
Her resignation comes days after the district deleted its X account over hateful comments toward Jones.
The Pat Med Board of Education says its goal is to have her successor in place by the 2026-2027 year.
Statement from Dr. Donna Jones:
There have been some comments on social media, following my retirement announcement, effective June 30, 2025, at the Patchogue-Medford Board of Education meeting last evening that my retirement is in response to recent posts that have appeared on social media. This is absolutely not true. The Board and I have been discussing my retirement plans for several years now. Part of those discussions have been a reflection on the fact that most of the objectives I wanted to achieve as superintendent have been met. When I was appointed superintendent six years ago, eight of our 11 schools were on the State’s Schools in Need of Improvement list. Now, only one remains and with the improvement being made at that school, I feel confident that school will come off the list in the very near future. We have put the District on solid financial footing. And last May, we were able to pass a bond referendum that will have a significant, positive impact on generations of students into the future. With all these accomplishments, it just felt right that this would be the time for me to step down, pass the mantle to new District leadership, explore new opportunities, and spend more time with my family and friends. I have faced negative comments in the past, many far worse than what appeared several weeks ago. I learned a long time ago not to let these misinformed, misguided, and many times vile and vicious comments rattle me or in any way interfere with my dedication and commitment to my Patchogue-Medford students, families and community. I am looking forward to the next five months as a period of continued success, student achievement and exciting opportunities for district growth.
