The district has named Philip Paniccia as the new administrator of elementary special education, replacing David Renahan. Paniccia has served as principal of May Moore since 2019, and previously as an associate principal at Robert Frostl, a teacher in the Sayville School District and principal of Sayville Summer School, following a 15-year career in financial service.

The Setauket resident earned his bachelor’s degree in child study, master’s degree in liberal studies and advance graduate degree in educational leadership from St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue and Stony Brook University.

“While it was a very difficult decision to leave my position as principal of May Moore, I am really excited to have the opportunity to step into my new role as the director for elementary special education in Deer Park,” Paniccia said. “I am looking forward to working with the educators, administrators and families in each of our elementary schools to make sure all of our students have every opportunity to succeed.”