Sachem has appointed Erin Hynes as its new Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, and Kathleen O’Farrell as the new Principal of Hiawatha Elementary School.

“We would like to welcome and congratulate Mrs. Hynes and Mrs. O’Farrell,” said Sachem Superintendent, Dr. Kenneth Graham. “Thank you to all who participated in the process for the selection of the candidates for these key leadership positions and we look forward to adding their expertise to our district over the years to come.”

Mrs. Hynes will be taking over for Dr. Cohen who has filled the position as an interim throughout this school year.

Mrs. Hynes went through an extensive search process that included a resume screening by the district office cabinet members of the nearly 75 applicants, a screening interview with the district cabinet members, a committee interview with district stakeholders, a presentation and follow-up interview, and a meeting with the Board of Education.

Mrs. Hynes has worked for the past nine years as the K-12 District Administrator for Curriculum in the Comsewogue School District, the Curriculum Coordinator in the Center Moriches School District, a Principal’s Aide and Literacy Coach in the New York City School System and as a Classroom Teacher for the South Manor School District. Mrs. Hynes also sits on the Curriculum Advisory Board for Eastern Suffolk BOCES and is an Advocacy member for the NYS Partners in Policy Albany Organization for Special Education.

Mrs. Hynes pursued her administrative degree at Dowling College, and she has also received post educational training at New York University, Teachers College at Columbia University and the Performance Consortium in Manhattan for Leadership, Curriculum Design and Instructional Practices learning.

“I'm thrilled to be taking on my new role as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction,” said Mrs. Hynes. “It is an exciting time for the District! My elementary years were spent in the halls and classrooms of Hiawatha before my family moved. I have always cherished my experiences and memories knowing how they shaped me. It is an understatement when I say that I'm honored to return and serve everyone in our Sachem family!”

Mrs. O’Farrell went through an extensive search process that included a resume screening by the district office cabinet members, a screening interview with the district cabinet members, a committee interview with district and school stakeholders, as well as a presentation and follow-up interview.  

Mrs. O’Farrell joins us from the West Hempstead School District, where she has served as the K-12 Director of English, ENL, Reading, and Library Services for nine years. Prior to this position, she was the English Curriculum Associate for the Massapequa School District, and she worked for the NYC Department of Education as an Assistant Principal, Staff Developer, and Literacy Teacher. Mrs. O’Farrell is currently the Vice President of the Long Island Language Arts Council.

“It is an honor for me to serve as the new Hiawatha Elementary Principal, and I am excited to be a part of the Sachem team,” said Mrs. O’Farrell. “I look forward to working with the dedicated, professionals, students, families, and the community.”

Both administrators will begin at Sachem on July 1, 2017.