The South Country Central School District Board of Education named Director of Humanities Jaclyn O’Hagan as the new assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and accountability at their March 5 meeting. O’Hagan replaces Beth Doyle, who took a new position in the Greenport Union Free School District.
The South Country Central School District Board of Education named Director of Humanities Jaclyn O’Hagan as the new assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and accountability at their March 5 meeting. O’Hagan replaces Beth Doyle, who took a new position in the Greenport Union Free School District.
“We are pleased to promote Ms. O’Hagan,” said Superintendent of Schools Antonio Santana. “She has proven to be an integral part of our administrative team. The Department of Humanities has thrived under her leadership and we are certain that she will continue this momentum in her new role.”
O’Hagan was recently recognized with a 2024-2025 Outstanding Social Studies Supervisor Award by the New York State Council for the Social Studies. She earned the award for her track record of being a transformative leader who empowers and inspires teachers in her district.
During her tenure in South Country, O’Hagan has been committed to working closely with humanities educators and central and building administration to build greatness amongst her team. She, along with social studies teachers Andrew Budris and Megan Bevan, spearheaded the district’s Generation Citizen initiative, in which students work toward earning a New York State Seal of Civic Readiness on their diplomas. Over the past four years, 90 percent of the district’s graduates have earned the seal.
O’Hagan has also worked closely with reading and English language arts educators and literacy coordinators across all levels to create a more personalized, student-centered approach to reading instruction, ensuring that every child has the support needed to succeed academically. Their efforts led to the development of customized reading criteria that are tailored to meet the diverse needs of students. This allows for more effective monitoring of progress and intervention.
Additionally, she spearheaded efforts to build robust classroom libraries so that all students have access to a wide variety of reading materials that resonate with their interests and cultural backgrounds.
Under her leadership, the humanities department presented at national, local, and state social studies and English Language arts conferences.
O’Hagan has served as the director of humanities for grades K-12 since 2017. She holds a Master of Science in social studies education from Hofstra University and an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University. Additionally, she was a participant in the 16th cohort of the New York State Council of School Superintendents’ Future Superintendents Academy for the 2024-2025 school year.
“I am honored and excited to serve as the assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and accountability,” O’Hagan said. “The journey ahead is fueled by passion, purpose and the unwavering belief that education is the key to unlocking limitless potential.”
She said she is looking forward to working collaboratively with the Board of Education, Mr. Santana, central and building administrators, teachers, staff and the community to ensure academic achievement and the social-emotional well-being of students. She plans to collaboratively continue to build an innovative and research-based curriculum that supports the diverse needs of all learners at South Country. “I’m confident that together, we will ensure excellence and opportunity for every student in which they acquire skills needed as a portrait of a graduate,” she said.
Date Added: 3/19/2025