Interim Port Jeff Elementary School Principal Takes Job Permanently

Thomas Meehan, as a temporary replacement when from in Port Jefferson at the end of the school year, has taken the job permanently, according to an announcement made at Tuesday night’s school board meeting by Superintendent Kenneth Bossert.

Bossert confirmed the move to hire Meehan to a "probationary contract with no end date.” Like all permanent teachers, probationary status lasts for three years at which time if approved, the employee is awarded tenure.

“If Mr. Meehan continues to meet with great success during the remaining two years of his probationary period, he would be awarded tenure,” said Bossert in an email.

Meehan came out of retirement to take the interim position in July. Previously he had work for Middle Country School District for 33 years before retiring in 2006.

The news that Meehan had taken the position was met with positive reaction when announced on Port Jefferson Patch’s Facebook page on Tuesday night.

“Now that is the greatest news I have heard in a long time,” wrote Donna Davis McKeown.