Principal Kevin Dougherty returns to Elmont High School after unexpected absence
Students hold a walkout at Elmont High School in protest for the unexpected departure of principal Kevin Dougherty as parents rally out front on Sept. 1 in Elmont. Credit: Howard Schnapp
A popular principal who had an unexpected departure from Elmont Memorial High School at the start of the school year has been reinstated to his post and will return Oct. 11, school district officials told parents Wednesday.
In an email to parents, Sewanhaka Central High School District Superintendent James Grossane apologized to “all those affected” in the note and said that Principal Kevin Dougherty will be returning to his position at the high school. They declined to comment further.
Parents, alumni and students had protested outside of Elmont Memorial High School at the start of the school year after the district reported that Dougherty was on “sabbatical” just days before classes started. Dougherty has served as principal for seven years and several supporters said he was active in the community and especially concerned about students.
Parent Kim Simpson said Wednesday she was thrilled to learn that Dougherty was returning to the high school but remained frustrated that the district did not say why he was not in his office at the start of the school year.
“The fact that the district actually apologized is really concerning as to what really went on behind the scenes since at this point there still has been no explanation,” she said.
District officials initially told parents in an email that Dougherty was "taking a sabbatical leave of absence for the 2022-2023 school year." In a response to a Newsday Freedom of Information Law request to the district on Sept. 1 asking for any documents related to a sabbatical approval or application, the district responded that "the district does not maintain any records" related to that request. Newsday also asked for any email correspondence regarding Dougherty's sabbatical and was told that the district did not have any records related to the request.
Simpson also said she felt the district disrespected the community by not backing Dougherty, who has wide community support.
In Wednesday's email, Grossane said, "The past month has been trying and upsetting to many in the Elmont Memorial community, particularly many students and parents. We sincerely apologize to all those affected and hope that Mr. Dougherty’s return will allay and address the concerns they have raised. The district fully supports Mr. Dougherty’s return to his duties, and we wish him and the Elmont Memorial Community a successful remainder of the school year."
Dougherty could not be reached for comment.
The district also reported that Taryn Johnson, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, who was named acting principal, will return to her administrative position.
Joie Tyrrell is a Long Island native and covers education for Newsday, where she has worked since 1998.
