Meet Riverhead’s new superintendent of schools, Bob Hagan

Riverhead’s next superintendent of schools got a warm welcome from the Board of Education and school community last night.

The board voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Robert Hagan to the post, effective July 1. 

Hagan, 51, of Rocky Point, is currently the assistant superintendent for human resources in the Longwood Central School District, a position he’s held since September 2020. He has 26 years experience as an educator, working as a middle school and high school social studies teacher, before becoming an administrator in 2007.

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“I believe that the Riverhead school district is a magnificent place,” Hagan said in a phone interview this morning. “There are so many positive aspects of the Riverhead community. That’s what attracted me. It’s large and diverse and has business opportunities,” he said, referring to opportunities for students.  He explained: “Opportunities for not only internships, but also experiences that bring together the educational piece and the environment. Whether it’s college or career, all those pieces are aligned very, very closely.” 

He said he appreciated the close proximity of Harry B. Ward Technical Center and the eastern campus of Suffolk County Community College.  The geographic size and location of the district present 

“Because of the sheer size of the district, I think it’s 81 square miles, you have everything from a rural community to a business district that provides those opportunities for students,” Hagan said.

Hagan said he realizes he’s coming into the district at a critical time, taking the reins from Interim Superintendent Cheryl Pedisich, who came to Riverhead after it went through a period of turmoil.

The district has its challenges, he acknowledged.  “I think that’s exciting. Having challenges is certainly exciting, because now we’re working together, whether it’s to build on something or to work through things. There are going to be challenges as we go forward,” he said. 

“There are great people here,” Hagan said. His goal is to “listen and learn and see where people are at and just build on a great foundation that has been put in place,” Hagan said.

“The thing that’s very exciting is being able to work with, not only the students and the faculty and administrators, but also the community at large, where we’re working together, so that the Riverhead school district can flourish and will flourish. It is flourishing,” he said. “I want to make sure that we’re continuing to move in that direction. I just want everybody to be proud. I want everybody to feel that,” he said. “We can accomplish anything.”

Hagan commended Pedisich’s work as interim superintendent and Maryanne Cartisano’s work as interim assistant superintendent for business. Cartisano will be staying on in that role, Board of Education President James Scudder announced last night.

Hagan grew up in Sayville. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at Fordham University, master of science in secondary education at Dowling College and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration at Fordham University. He is married and the father of two daughters, ages 16 and 13. 

“The board has worked diligently throughout the superintendent selection process to ensure a smooth leadership transition,” Scudder said at last night’s meeting. “During a comprehensive and far-reaching search, we wanted to guarantee that our next superintendent would acclimate well to our district’s identity and structure and continue to build upon the great strides we have made in the past several years,” Scudder said. 

“We look forward to working alongside Dr. Hagan and engaging with the remarkable expertise and enthusiasm he will bring as we further cultivate Riverhead’s outstanding culture of achievement,” Scudder said last night. “We will continue to coordinate to ensure a seamless leadership transition.”

Scudder thanked Pedisich “for all of her dedicated efforts to strengthen our district and enhance experiences for our students.” She was hired as interim superintendent in October 2023, after former superintendent August Tornatore resigned after a leave of absence. 

“From the moment she assumed this role, Ms. Pedisich demonstrated exceptional leadership and devoted herself to ensuring the growth and success for all of our students, schools and our community,” Scudder said. 

Pedisich retired in 2022 from her position as superintendent in the Three Village Central School District, a job she held for a decade. She is paid $1,200 per day as interim superintendent. 

“It has been an honor for all of us to work alongside her, and we express our deepest gratitude to her,” Scudder said. “Thank you, Mrs. Pedisich.”

Hagan will be paid $260,000, plus benefits. He has signed a three-year contract with the district, commencing July 1.