Southold, Greenport Agree to Share School Superintendent

In a revolutionary move, the boards of education of both the Greenport and Southold Union Free School Districts announced plans Friday to establish a two-year agreement with David Gamberg to serve as superintendent of both districts ,beginning in July 2014.

Gamberg is currently the superintendent of the Southold Union Free School District. The current Greenport School Superintendent Mike Comanda announced his retirement this year.

"It has been agreed upon that the two districts will share Mr. Gamberg’s salary equally and he will have dual reporting lines to both boards. Contract details, including salary and other items, are currently being discussed," a joint release from the BOEs said. "After careful consideration, both districts and Mr. Gamberg agree that this move represents a logical and exciting step in an ongoing commitment to share services between the two districts."

Comanda and Gamberg have "closely collaborated on numerous educational and co-curricular activities over the past few years, resulting in more and better opportunities for students at a cost savings to both districts.  This is only expected to increase as a result of the new arrangement," the release stated.

Both Boards of Education said that they realize sharing a superintendent could post "challenges. Many potential concerns and ways to mitigate them have been discussed."

Community members with questions are encouraged to attend upcoming board meetings on November 20 in Southold, and on November 21 in Greenport, where agendas will include time for audience members to ask questions and make comments.  

Greenport Board President Heather Wolf sayid,  “Our entire board is delighted to welcome David to Greenport Schools. We are committed to supporting him to the fullest as he takes on this new responsibility.”

Southold Board President Paulette Ofrias states added, “This is yet another clear example of how we can expand upon our ongoing commitment towards increased shared services that support our long term strategic plan to contain costs.”

David Gamberg believes that “this is an opportunity to focus on advancing the meaningful and substantial support for enhanced student opportunities in both learning communities.”

Mike Comanda adds, “I feel good that this is a way to carry forward my efforts which support the taxpayers and families of Greenport.”