Hampton Bays superintendent Lars Clemensen named NYS superintendent of the year

Hampton Bays schools chief Lars Clemensen has been named the 2027 Superintendent of the Year for his "outstanding leadership, commitment to students and contributions to public education," the New York State Council of School Superintendents announced Monday.

Clemensen's work in expanding the district's course offerings, including Advanced Placement, science research opportunities and dual enrollment college partnerships were highlighted, among other achievements. 

"This award is just evidenced by what my team at Hampton Bays does: A board of education that says yes to opportunities for kids and a leadership team, its faculty and staff who just take the ball with an idea they have or an initiative that serves our kids and our families and they run with it,"  Clemensen told Newsday. "I get to reflect that as superintendent."

Clemensen touted the district's work in maintaining "strong" graduation rates for all students regardless of demographics. Hampton Bays had a 85% four-year graduation rate in the 2024-25 school year, according to state figures.

The superintendent also said the district's educators work hard to close the achievement gap for economically disadvantaged kids, English language learners and other kids who might struggle academically.

"We do that though some programs that I'm very excited about: in-house [career and technical education] programs, early childhood education, hospitality, culinary. We partner with BOCES," he said. In the two decades since he joined the district, Clemensen said, "We had a 200% increase in our Advanced Placement offerings."

Out of nearly 2,000 enrolled students at Hampton Bays, about 33% were classified as English language learners in the 2024-25 school year and 46% were considered economically disadvantaged, according to state data.

'A culture of excellence'

Clemensen took over as Hampton Bays superintendent in 2010, at the time one of the youngest district leaders on Long Island. He had attended school in the district as a child before his family moved to Texas.

He was the founding principal of the Hampton Bays Middle School when it opened in 2008. It was one of 78 awarded the first-ever Green Ribbon School recognition by the U.S. Department of Education for its environmentally-friendly practices.

Prior to that, Clemensen worked as executive director of Teach for America, which provides teachers for low-income areas. He worked in the Newark and Camden areas in New Jersey and taught middle school in Paterson, also in New Jersey.

Clemensen earned his bachelors' degree from the University of Texas and his masters degree at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. He said he is working on his doctorate in education at Long Island University.

Hampton Bays school board president Kevin Springer in a statement said the state honor reflects Clemensen's exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to the district's students, staff and community.

"His leadership has created a culture of excellence, collaboration and pride throughout our schools while continually working to make our district stronger every day, with students at the center of every decision," Springer said.

National consideration

Clemensen previously served as the president of state superintendents' council as well as the head of the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association. He is an adjunct professor at Stony Brook University in the Educational Leadership Program and serves on several scholarship foundation boards and is a member of the Rotary Club of Hampton Bays.

He will represent New York as its official nominee for National Superintendent of the Year, awarded by the American Association of School Administrators at the National Conference on Education in February. 

The state council's president, Ken Bossert, who is also the superintendent of the Great Neck district, touted Clemensen's two decades of "deeply committed service to his home district" and his contributions to the region.

"His unwavering commitment to equity and to ensuring that every student has access to the very best that public education has to offer has been nothing short of inspirational to all who have had the opportunity to observe his work — and to follow his lead," Bossert said in a statement. "Lars not only passionately believes in the principle that 'all means all,' he demonstrates it through the work he does every day." 

Each candidate for the state award was judged on their leadership, communication, professionalism and community involvement. The last Long Islander to win the award was Bellmore schools Superintendent Joe “Dr. Joe” Famularo, who was named the 2024 state superintendent of the year.

This is the second time this month that a Long Island educator has earned statewide recognition. Last week, Emiliano Geoninatti, an educator at  R.C. Murphy Middle School in Stony Brook, was named the 2027 New York State Teacher of the Year.