The Patchogue-Medford School District appointed a new superintendent to begin in the 2026–2027 school year and honored the formal appointment at a Board of Education meeting on Monday, April 20.Dr. Patrick G. Harrigan has over 25 years of experience in educational administration
The Board of Education and central administration said they wanted to “ensure a smooth leadership transition following the conclusion of this school year.”“The Board of Education worked diligently with our superintendent search firm to select a qualified and capable candidate to serve as our new superintendent,” said Patchogue-Medford School District president Kelli Anne Jennings. “This comprehensive process incorporated input from all stakeholders and led us to an accomplished educational administrator with extensive experience and enthusiasm who we believe will passionately support our district’s values, opportunities, and success.”
Dr. Harrigan most recently served as the executive director of curriculum and instruction for Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District from 2024 to 2026.
Dr. Harrigan was the superintendent of Half Hollow Hills Central School District from 2017 to 2024, previously holding the titles of deputy superintendent from 2013 to 2017 and assistant superintendent from 2005 to 2013.
From 2002 to 2005, he was the director of special education in Farmingdale Public Schools, and he held several roles at the Maryhaven Center of Hope School Age Program, including principal and director of educational services from 2001 to 2002.
Dr. Harrigan served as an assistant principal in the Miller Place School District, where he also began working as a teacher in 1996.
Dr. Harrigan received his Bachelor of Arts in economics in 1994 and his Advanced Graduate Certificate in School Administration in 2000 from Stony Brook University. He earned his Master of Science in education in 1996 and Doctorate in Educational Administration, Leadership, and Technology in 2004 from Dowling College. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Molloy University and Touro University and as an executive coach for doctoral candidates at Russell Sage College.
Additionally, Dr. Harrigan possesses leadership experience with the New York State Council of School Superintendents House of Delegates, the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association, the SCOPE Journal for Leadership and Instruction, and the Energeia Partnership, as well as on advisory boards for Long Island University and Molloy University.
“We look forward to Dr. Harrigan bringing his decades of experience and remarkable dedication to student growth and achievement to this position,” said Jennings. “We believe his leadership will further empower the advancement and success of our scholars, district, and community.”
Dr. Harrigan will take the reins of leadership from Patchogue-Medford School District interim superintendent Lori Cannetti, who was an integral member of the district community for over 25 years.
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