The Long Beach Public Schools Board of Education appointed Dr. Jennifer Gallagher as the next Superintendent of Schools at its March 22 meeting, to become effective immediately.  Dr. Gallagher has served as Interim Superintendent throughout the 2017-18 school year, prior to which she served as the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. 

Dr. Gallagher has more than 30 years of experience in education settings and an extensive background in curriculum development. She has also worked as a curriculum consultant for Harvard University’s Ed Labs and was included in the 2000 edition of Who’s Who Among American Teachers. 

“After a very thorough search process, the Board is pleased and excited to announce Dr. Gallagher’s appointment to the permanent role of Superintendent of Schools,” said Board of Education President Stewart Mininsky. “She has proven herself to be a strong and skillful education professional and we look forward to her continued leadership.”

Before coming to Long Beach, Dr. Gallagher was Director of Instructional Services for the Valley Stream Central High School District, where she supervised curriculum and instruction and led professional development for three senior high schools and one junior high school. Earlier in her career, she was a charter school network director and a middle school principal in New York City, where she founded an innovative orchestral program and a science research program in partnership with Stony Brook Medical School. 

Dr. Gallagher holds a Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership and Master of Science Degree in Secondary Education from St. John’s University, which has twice presented her with Graduate Student Excellent Awards. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English 7-12 from Molloy College.

“I am delighted to make this role permanent and to continue our progress as a district,” Dr. Gallagher said. “We have a district that is committed to what’s best for children, and I look forward to continuing to make our great programs even better! I would also like to thank Michael DeVito and Michele Natali for their help in carrying out a smooth transition this school year.”