Longtime principal in the Island Trees School District Jon Segerdahl has announced his retirement, effective at the end of this school year. Mr. Segerdahl began his career in the Island Trees District in 1977 as principal of Karopczyc Elementary School.

He went on to become principal of Gallow Elementary in 1978, then became principal of Island Trees Junior High in 1983. In 1993 the district was reconfigured and the junior high became a middle school. Mr. Segerdahl was instrumental in this reorganization, installing a "true middle school" concept. He seamlessly incorporated the sixth grade, and later the fifth grade, into the building.

Among his many accomplishments, Segerdahl helped change the philosophy of the Middle School Guidance Department into a university-recognized Model Developmental Guidance Program. He initiated both short- and long-term plans to enhance student performance on the NYS assessments resulting in increases in the school's scores.

Segerdahl is also the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including NYS Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and Nassau County Administrator of the Year. He has been the presenter at various conferences including NYS Middle School Conference, Nassau County Middle School Administrators Association, NYS Reading Council, Nassau Suffolk Guidance Association, and Hofstra and CW Post Universities. In addition, Segerdahl is the liaison to the State Education Department for the Nassau County Middle School Principals Association, president elect and charter member of the Nassau County Middle School Administrators Association, president of the Island Trees Administrators Association, and administrative representative on Nassau Music Educators Association Advisory Board.

In his time at Island Trees, Segerdahl has led his staff with kindness, compassion and integrity. He has been inspirational to the staff and students and will be missed when he is gone.