Southampton names new high school principal

The Southampton School District Board of Education has appointed Derek Robinson as the new principal of Southampton High School.

“We are excited to welcome Derek Robinson to our district as the Southampton High School principal,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fatima Morrell. “His commitment to education and his impressive leadership experience make him a perfect fit for this role.”

Robinson, of East Islip, joins Southampton from the Patchogue-Medford School District, where he was an assistant principal of the high school since 2020. He previously served as the district’s summer school principal 6-12 grade, middle school assistant principal, and director of student and family support.

Prior to his administrative roles in Patchogue-Medford, Robinson was a teacher leader, advisor for the Foreign Language Honor Society, and Spanish teacher at William Floyd High School. He was also an educator in the New York City school system, where he gained administrative experience and taught bilingual U.S. history, global history, economics, government, health, English, and AP Spanish.

He has earned impressive recognitions for his work, including recognition from the Our Community Salutes Brookhaven Town Chapter for outstanding service and commitment to students who enlist in the U.S. military after graduation. He has also garnered Congressional recognition for outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

Robinson also has coaching experience. He coached both soccer and lacrosse at Paca Middle School in the William Floyd School District, with both teams breaking school records.

Robinson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Adolescence Education and a Master of Science in Spanish Education from SUNY Old Westbury. He also holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from LIU Post, where he is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership.

“I am honored to join the Southampton High School community as principal,” said Robinson. “I look forward to continuing the outstanding work of [outgoing principal] Dr. Zahn and building upon the strong foundation already in place at Southampton High School. My goal is to work collaboratively and build a strong, trusted relationship with the staff, students and families of Southampton to embrace a culture of care and celebrate the diverse community that makes Southampton so special. Together, we will continue to support our students in achieving their educational and career aspirations. We will also continue to provide a safe and supportive learning environment where all students are equipped with the knowledge, values and skills to become responsible citizens in a dynamic global society."