Dr. Christopher Smalley was recently named assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, replacing Dr. Ellen Semel, the district’s current superintendent of schools.

Since 2013, Dr. Smalley had served as principal at Wing. He previously worked as an assistant principal at Signal Hill Elementary School in the Half Hollow Hills School District from 2007 to 2013, as a third- and fifth-grade teacher at Forest Park Elementary School in the Half Hollow Hills School District from 2004 to 2007, and as a fifth-grade teacher at New York City schools from 2001 to 2004.

Dr. Smalley earned his bachelor’s degree in cinema from Binghamton University, his master’s degree in elementary education from LIU Post, his graduate program in educational leadership from Stony Brook University and his doctorate in education from Dowling College.

The busy educator also serves as a Binghamton University undergraduate admissions ambassador and is the author of the book “The Energy of Friends and Bullies,” published in December 2017. He currently resides in Kings Park with his wife and three children.

“Over the past five years, I have really gotten to know the students, families and staff here in Islip,” said Dr. Smalley. “We share the common understanding that all students need to be safe, healthy, engaged, supported and challenged. Our students also need to be prepared to think both critically and creatively, evaluate massive amounts of information, solve complex problems, and communicate well. I will work closely with our superintendent, Dr. Ellen Semel, and the entire Board of Education in Islip to inspire and prepare our students for a bright future.“