James Cummings has been named the new superintendent of schools for the district, replacing the retiring Eva J. Demyen. His hiring was announced at the Board of Education’s March 26 business meeting, to the applause of colleagues, family and community members.

Cummings had served as Deer Park’s assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services since 2016. He began his Deer Park career in 1997 as a business teacher at the high school, after four years in corporate sales for Cigna and MCI/Worldcom. He previously served as Deer Park High School principal, Robert Frost principal and associate principal, and the high school’s varsity track, winter track and cross-country coach.

The Sayville resident earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from SUNY Cortland and master’s degrees in secondary education and administration from Dowling College. 

“I am both proud and humbled to be appointed as the next superintendent of Deer Park Schools,” Cummings said. “Having been in this district for over 20 years, as a coach, teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent, I have seen the amazing students of Deer Park accomplish so much. As the superintendent, I promise that I will uphold the great traditions of Deer Park Schools. Equally as important, I will work tirelessly along with our wonderful staff, to ensure that our district stays on the forefront of current educational trends, and that our students are prepared for the ever-changing world that they will be thrust into upon leaving us. I love this community and look forward to serving it in my new capacity.”