South Country School District superintendent resigns amid myriad of financial issues
The Board of Education has appointed Jaclyn O'Hagan as acting superintendent of schools.
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Antonio Santana, the South Country School District superintendent of schools, has resigned.
The Board of Education unanimously accepted his letter of resignation at a board meeting Wednesday night.
The news comes following a myriad of financial issues and calls from lawmakers to investigate possible criminal malfeasance.
The Board of Education has appointed Jaclyn O'Hagan as acting superintendent of schools.
The resignation is effective at the end of the business day on Wednesday.
“Every party that has been involved should have to step down and resign,” said Daniella Lorentsen, of Medford.
Lorentsen says her son is still supposed to start kindergarten next year, and she’s worried about what his education might look like.
“All the cuts they’re looking at, it’s not going to be fixed overnight,” Lorentsen says. “So his entire education is going to be affected by this.”
“There are a lot of people who are disillusioned by the lack of transparency which has occurred over the last several months,” Dave Marziliano, of East Patchogue.
As previously reported, the district is facing a budget deficit of more than $10 million for this year alone.
The state recently approved an $18 million loan to close this year’s gap, in addition to millions more projected for next year.
As the board prepares next year’s budget, it’s looking to raise taxes by over 13%.
Their $150 million spending plan would still cut roughly 55 jobs, including 43 teacher and five administration positions but would preserve core programs in the district.
“If the budget passes, we have resolved all three years of the district’s fiscal deficit issues,” said John Belmonte, acting assistant superintendent of finance. “Problem solved. You more forward cleanly, no further cuts.”
Last week, State Sen. Dean Murray said the district was days away from running out of money to pay staff and keep schools open.
“Next week, they would be completely out of money. And that's not figuratively. I mean literally," he said.
Anne Hayes, the Board of Education president released the following statement:
"Earlier today, the South Country Central School District Board of Education accepted the resignation of our Superintendent of Schools Antonio Santana, effective immediately.
Mr. Santana served our District during a period of considerable challenge and transition. Over this past year, Mr. Santana worked closely with the Board, our District administrators, the State Comptroller’s Office, the State Education Department, and our local elected officials to address the financial and operational challenges facing the District. We thank Mr. Santana for that effort and his dedication to our students and the South Country community. We wish him well in his future endeavors.
Effective immediately through May 13, 2026, Jaclyn O’Hagan will serve as Acting Superintendent of Schools in addition to her duties as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. The Board of Education has appointed John Dolan as Interim Superintendent of Schools effective May 14, 2026. Mr. Dolan recently retired as superintendent of schools in East Islip after 11 years in that position. Mr. Dolan’s tenure in East Islip has been described as “a renaissance of stability and growth” for that district. The South Country Board of Education, in making Mr. Dolan’s appointment, noted they are looking forward to Mr. Dolan bringing that same leadership to South Country. The District remains focused on supporting students, staff, families, and the continued work necessary to move South Country forward."
