Kevin Dougherty, the Elmont Memorial High School principal whose unexpected sabbatical led to a student walkout on the first day of classes, will return to his position Tuesday, Oct. 11, the Sewanhaka Central High School District said in a statement.
District Superintendent James Grossane made the announcement Oct. 5, saying he hopes Dougherty’s return will address previous concerns.
“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,” Grossane saio. “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 surprised the Elmont football team by turning up at practice before saying he would be back on Tuesday, according to the Men of Elmont Instagram account.
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On Aug. 30, Grossan announced that Dougherty would be taking a sabbatical leave of absence for the entire school year, days before classes started.
Students and families held a protest outside the Sewanhaka district office in Floral Park Aug. 30 demanding more transparency and answers, according to News12.
At the following Board of Education meeting on Sept. 20, President Michael Jaime said board policy doesn’t permit any members to discuss individual district personnel despite calls and questions from the public.
Dougherty began as principal of Elmont Memorial in July 2015. He has been integral in opening up advanced classes to more students and implemented a Schoolwide Enrichment Model. This program, which was piloted with two teams consisting of seventh- and eighth-graders, provided students with an opportunity to work on a cross-curricular project. Dougherty organized the school’s first Black History Month celebration and began the Men of Elmont leadership group, which helps young minority men become empowered and works to develop them into leaders within the school and their community.
Taryn Johnson, the assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction who became the acting principal following Dougherty’s leave, has returned to her former position.
