Beginning Dec. 1, the South Country Central School District will have a new superintendent in Dr. Dennis P. O’Hara who will be taking over from interim superintendent, John Dolan. The term specified in O’Hara’s appointment was until June 30, 2030.
The decision was made after comprehensive vetting that included community stakeholders in the process.
“For people on the outside looking in, we had people participate in our superintendent search…This year with the recommendation of BOCES and the assistance of Dave Wicks, included stakeholders in the process to pull together and speak to to examine the new superintendent…the BTA [Bellport Teachers Association] had representation, community groups had representation, the PTA, the administrators had a say, the teaching assistants, they all had the opportunity to ask questions and participate ” said South Country Central school district board of education president, Christopher Ross, at the special meeting held on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Ross said that this inclusive interview/vetting process for the new superintendent was conducted because of the turmoil of the previous school year that criticized the perceived lack of transparency from the board in the past that had culminated in the dire financial situation the district faced.
As O’Hara was being applauded following a five yes and 1 abstention vote when Ross said, “Congratulations, be careful what you wish for.”
“I’ve said to you over the couple of times that we met, you are a diamond in the rough,” said O’Hara. “I’m happy to say we are going to make a difference and change the trajectory of our school district and make a difference for all the students who are here.”
The entire central office of Islip School District was in attendance for the appointment with O’Hara thanking them for their support and trust.
Dec. 1 is also O’Hara’s birthday to which he remarked, “I don’t think since my driver’s license have I wanted my birthday to get here faster than I do.”
“To the community of South Country, I pledge to earn your trust and respect and I can guarantee to you that every decision and recommendation that I make will be students first.”
O’Hara holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Science degree from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York College at Old Westbury.
Currently, O'Hara serves as superintendent of the Islip School District, a position he has held since since July 2021.
In a statement from the board, O’Hara’s work in Islip was characterized positively citing that he “developed programs that provided students with academic enrichment, work-based learning experiences, and opportunities to explore future careers. He also supported students' social and emotional well-being, strengthened community engagement, and emphasized school safety. Most recently, Dr O'Hara spearheaded the district's expanded summer enrichment programs, extended school-year services, and championed a partnership with Suffolk County Community College to bring college-level opportunities to Islip High School students.”
Prior to joining Islip, O’Hara served for five years as superintendent of the Hauppauge Union Free School District, beginning in 2016.
Earlier in his career, Dr. O'Hara spent 13 years as principal of Oyster Bay High School, “where he helped lead a nationally recognized secondary school. He began his career as a classroom science teacher and has also contributed to the education profession through publications in national professional outlets and presentations to colleagues across the region.”
In Hauppauge, under his lead, O’Hara increased Advanced Regents diplomas by 30 percent and the number of students attending four-year colleges by ten percent. O’Hara’s direction also helped Hauppauge High School achieve national recognition for the first time in the district’s history.
“In both Islip and Hauppauge, Dr. O'Hara's leadership efforts included expanding districtwide curriculum development efforts and improving safety and security throughout district buildings. Across his leadership roles, Dr. O’Hara has emphasized collaborative relationships, student-centered decision-making and a shared commitment to educational excellence,” said the board in a statement.
In 2025, O’Hara was cleared by the Islip board of education following three investigations (New York State investigation, a District investigation, and a third-party investigation ) of any wrongdoing in a matter involving inappropriate corrective action taken of two female lifeguards’ attire.
Specifically, while working as a lifeguard at Robert Moses State Park in 2024, O’Hara presented a supervisor with photos he had taken of two on-duty female lifeguards to raise concerns about their attire. Following strong community responses to the incident, O’Hara profusely apologized for his approach and the way he registered his complaints.
An amendment was passed where O’Hara was required to reimburse the district for the legal expenses associated with the investigations. The cost to be repaid was nearly $29,000 and would be repaid over four installments.
Additionally, the term of O’Hara’s employment agreement was reduced by one year.
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