The Manhasset Board of Education announced the appointment of Jonathan T. Jefferson as director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics at its Feb. 16 meeting. He will officially join the district on March 19.

For the past year Jefferson has been the athletic director for grades 9 through 12 in the Yorktown Central School District, Yorktown Heights. His experience in Yorktown has included coordinating 49 athletic teams and supervising 65 coaches. During this time he also served as teacher coordinator and physical education teacher in grades 9 through 12.

Prior to the Yorktown School District, Jefferson spent six and a half years in the Ossining School District where he taught and coached both elementary and secondary school students. While there, Jefferson developed an assessment tool for physical education activities that is currently being used in that district. Jefferson has developed physical education activities that have been published in Great Activities, a nationally distributed recreation newsletter. He also participated in a Child Development Program in Guatemala.

Jefferson received a BS degree (magna cum laude) from York College (CUNY), a masters degree in education from Springfield College, and a professional diploma in Educational Administration from Mercy College. He also has credits towards a masters degree in health education and health education certification.

Jefferson is replacing Dr. Fred Apgar who resigned in December to accept a position in the East Williston School District. During the interim, the district has been fortunate to have Thomas Mohrman, director of facilities, serving as acting athletic director.