Hempstead school board says it parted ways with current district superintendent

Hempstead School Board President Victor Pratt explained that it was not an isolated incident that led to the decision, but the latest in a series of events involving Regina Armstrong.

Caroline Flynn

Sep 6, 2024, 4:00 PM

Updated 113 days ago

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The president of the Hempstead School Board shared what events led to the ousting of Superintendent Regina Armstrong.
Board President Victor Pratt said to News 12, “I want to assure everyone that the reason for the move that we made was not criminal, it was not scandalous. We are just looking into the possible misuse of facilities. It led to a breakdown of trust between the board and the superintendent, so we decided to start the new year with a new superintendent.”
Pratt went on to explain that there wasn't an isolated incident that led to Thursday night's vote. He shared though details about an event at Hempstead High School that was the final straw.
"It was used to host an SAT exam without approval, so being that students were coming in from all over, we felt that it was necessary to give the OK for it," Pratt said.
A spokesperson for the district said Armstrong, an educator in Hempstead schools for 34 years, will keep her superintendent title and salary for the remainder of the school year as she moves to a different role within the district.
Pratt said he does not anticipate the sudden change in leadership impacting students as interim Superintendent Susan Johnson has previously served in the role.
The school board president said the board will look first to promote from within the district when it comes to the search for a more permanent replacement.