Thursday, October 1, 2026
For nearly two decades, the milestones of the Lynbrook school year have also marked the rhythm of Dr. Paul Lynch’s life.
From school openings and Sept. 11 ceremonies to Night of the Pumpkins and holiday concerts, Lynch said the community he joined in 2009 has become much more than a place of work.
“Lynbrook over the last 18 years has become like a family to me,” Lynch, the district’s superintendent, said. “It’s become the rhythm of my life, my second home.”
Lynch will retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year, concluding 18 years in the Lynbrook Public Schools and three years as superintendent. His retirement will take effect June 30.
“We are deeply grateful for his dedication, leadership and service,” Board of Education President Lesli Deninno said. “His impact on this district will be felt long after his retirement.”
Among the work Lynch is most proud of is the district’s Profile of the Owl, a framework outlining the skills and values students should develop before graduating. Lynch said the initiative brought together work already happening across the district and was shaped by community input about what students need to become productive members of society.
“It sets a vision and direction for the district,” Lynch said, adding that the framework has helped create a shared focus across all seven schools and can continue guiding the district in the future.
Lynch is also proud of efforts to make district schools more inclusive for students with special needs, including bringing some students who previously would have been placed outside the district back into Lynbrook schools.
“Lynbrook kids belong in Lynbrook schools,” he said. “There is such an inclusive energy here.”
He also highlighted the district’s partnership with Northwell Health, which gives Lynbrook families access to mental health services through a clinic in Rockville Centre. Families can seek care confidentially, and Lynch said the resource is available to Lynbrook students whether they attend public or private school.
“Sometimes you don’t know where to go with your child, and now there’s a place to go,” he said. “Mental health is as important as physical.”
Lynch said Lynbrook’s generosity has shaped him as a leader. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he recalled community members bringing food and gift cards to help others. He witnessed a similar response when a fire displaced local families early in his tenure.
“Community is an important part of what it’s about here,” Lynch said. “It’s a school system within a really great community.”
Lynch said the demands of the job and a desire to travel with his wife contributed to his decision to retire. He wants to leave while he can still give the position his full energy.
“I want to go out as that guy being everywhere and giving my 100 percent and cheering on the Owls at any chance I get,” he said.
The Board of Education has begun searching for his successor, with proposals from executive search firms due Sept. 18. Lynch said he plans to leave the ultimate decision to the board.
“I had my time,” he said. “I can offer advice, but I’ll leave it to the Board of Education.”
As he prepares for his final school year, Lynch said leaving the relationships he has built will be the hardest part.
“I really do care about Lynbrook and the children and families of Lynbrook,” he said. “I hope Lynbrook always leads with ‘Owls Care.’ That’s what it’s been for me, and it’s the heart of the community.”
“It’s always bittersweet,” Lynch added. “I will miss people like crazy. Nothing replaces the people.”
