An educator since 1987, newly appointed Great Neck School District Superintendent Teresa Prendergast has worked in many different schools in many capacities, from teacher to principal to her current position as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for Garden City Public Schools.
“It is my hope that by working collaboratively with the members of the school community – communicating, trusting, listening – we may continue to build upon Great Neck’s outstanding tradition of excellence,” Prendergast said in a statement from the school district.
Prendergast, who will become the 11th superintendent of the Great Neck School District on July 15, was selected as the new superintendent at the Great Neck School Board of Education’s March 30 meeting. She will succeed current Superintendent Tom Dolan, who announced his retirement in November. He will end his tenure July 31.
Before working in Garden City, Prendergast served at the Lynbrook Public Schools – first as principal of the Lynbrook South Middle School from 2000 to 2004 and then as assistant superintendent for curriculum and personnel from 2004 to 2006, when she got her current job in Garden City, according to a release from the school district.
From 1994 until 2000, Prendergast worked for the Woodmere Middle School. She was mathematics chairperson from 1994 to 2000, assistant principal from 1995 until 2000 and also served as teaching dean from January to June 1995, according to the school district.
Prendergast also worked at Intermediate School 238-Susan B. Anthony Academy in Queens from 1987 through 1994, the release said. She first worked as a math teacher before becoming the sixth-grade dean of students.
Before working in the New York City public education system, Prendergast studied at St. John’s University, where she earned her bachelor of science degree in elementary education, nursery through grade six, and mathematics, grades seven through nine. She also received a doctorate of education in educational administration and supervision, as well as a professional diploma in educational supervision and administration, from St. John’s.
Prendergast obtained her master of science degree in mathematics education, grades seven through 12, from CUNY Lehman College, the school district said. She also has an associate in applied science degree from Pace University.
The new superintendent is a member of the Nassau Association of District Curriculum Officials, the American Association of School Administrators and Phi Delta Kappa. She has received the Honorary Life Membership Award from the New York State Parent Teacher Association and has participated in the Future Superintendents Academy sponsored by the New York State Council of School Superintendents as well.
Board of Education Vice President Larry Gross said in March that Prendergast applied to be superintendent after the job was recommended to her by someone in the education field.
This year’s proposed school budget calls for the superintendent to be paid $280,500 a year. During the 2014-2015 school year, there were 6,399 registered students among the 10 schools in the district.
The schools in the district include Great Neck North High School, Great Neck South High School, the Village School, Great Neck North Middle School, Great Neck South Middle School, the Elizabeth Mellick Baker School, the John F. Kennedy School, Lakeville School, Saddle Rock School and Parkville School.
