Smithtown Board of Education Appoints Interim Superintendent

Smithtown school officials announced an interim superintendent to take over the leadership of its schools as of next Monday. 

Smithtown Board of Education unanimously voted to appoint Judith Elias as interim superintendent of the Smithtown Central School District as of Sept. 16. 

Elias has previously served as the superintendent of Smithtown Central School District. She served as the superintendent for the 2006-07 school year before taking leave to help take care of her ailing mother, according to Board of Education President Gladys Waldron. She will be paid $1,000 per day to serve as interim superintendent. 

"Judy Elias is someone not unfamiliar with the Smithtown community and culture," Waldron said.

Elias started her career in the Smithtown Central school district as an elementary school teacher before becoming a reading specialist. She proceeded to become a reading specialist at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. 

Elias will take over the reigns from Anthony Annunziato, who abruptly announced his resignation at the Aug. 13 Board of Education meeting. Annunziato has accepted a professorship and doctoral program at St. John's University. 

Annunziato said the decision fulfilled his wish to teach as a second career. 

Waldron said the Smithtown Board of Education will continue to work with Dr. Michael Mensch, COO of Western Suffolk BOCES, to interview candidates and review resumes for those interested in permanent position as Smithtown's new superintendent. 

"We would love to have a full-time superintendent sooner than later but it would be very tough to get someone from another district to leave mid-year. We are going to kick off our search as soon as possible," said trustee Christopher Alcure.