Hempstead religious leaders, community members demand action after superintendent ousted by board

"

Hempstead religious leaders and community members are demanding action from the district's school board. "We therefore stand united, demanding that Ms. Regina Armstrong be returned to her position as superintendent immediately," said Rev. Phillip McDowell, pastor of South Hempstead Baptist Church. Members of the clergy from Long Island churches and their supporters, including Town of Hempstead Senior Councilwoman Dorothy L. Goosby and former New York Gov. David Paterson, say they want Regina Armstrong reinstated. As News 12 reported, Armstrong was ousted from her role as Hempstead school superintendent just days into the new school year. The school board said it lost faith in Armstrong. Her supporters say the decision to remove Armstrong could set the district back. They credit her with raising graduation rates. "It's as if the decision makers are trying to go backwards into the chaotic situation that once was." said Rev. Ralph P. Taylor, of Emanuel Baptist Church Majestic Ministries. As News 12 reported in 2015, Hempstead schools went into state mandated receivership because of underperformance and low graduation rates. At that time only 51% of students graduated. In 2022, that number climbed to 86%. In a statement to News 12 in response to Wednesday's gathering outside of ABGS Middle school, Nicole Russo, spokesperson for Hempstead Schools said, "Regina Armstrong has been placed on administrative leave of absence with pay. The District has no comment. It is a personnel matter and the District cannot discuss this matter." "