Jenna Rae Gaertner

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Oct 14, 2026, 10:44 PM

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Updated

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The South Country School District appointed Dennis O’Hara as its new superintendent during a special board meeting Wednesday night.

O’Hara says he’s excited to step into the role despite the district’s financial challenges.

“I pledge to earn your trust and your respect, and I can guarantee you that every decision and recommendation that I make will be students first,” said O’Hara. “A school district is more than just a budget. It's about students and the people who live here. And I think the students that go to school here have tremendous potential.”

O’Hara is currently the superintendent of Islip Union Free School District.

However, some parents and community members have expressed concern about previous sexual harassment allegations that were later dismissed.

As News 12 previously reported, while working a summer job as a lifeguard, O’Hara was accused of taking photos of female lifeguards. O’Hara said the photos were taken to raise awareness about the lack of official uniforms.

Following an investigation, the allegations were cleared, and O’Hara resumed his position as superintendent.

Despite that outcome, some community members remain concerned about his appointment.

"He seems to have experience with schools, and that's great. But in view of the fact that he's been involved with, at least accused of taking pictures of people that were inappropriate for a person in his position, you have to wonder how much faith and confidence that the public can have in that person," says Russell Myers, of North Bellport.

“There were three different investigations,” O’Hara said. “I was exonerated, fully exonerated, in three separate independent investigations.”

O’Hara is also moving into a financially troubled district.

“Have faith and give us time,” said O’Hara. “We're going to have to be disciplined with the finances. And that’s the way we’re going to build back up.”

O’Hara’s term with South Country Schools begins in December and runs through June 2030.