At their business meeting on Tuesday, April 8, the Merrick Board of Education was proud to announce that Diana Ketcham will serve as the district’s next superintendent of schools, effective July 1, 2025. Ms. Ketcham will replace Dr. Dominick Palma, who is retiring at the end of the school year after serving as the Merrick superintendent for the past 13 years.
Ms. Ketcham joins Merrick from the Half Hollow Hills Central School District, where she has served as the assistant superintendent for elementary education since 2018. In that role, Ms. Ketcham led all facets of instruction and curriculum, while supporting staff, students and families with dedication and care. As assistant superintendent, she collaborated with colleagues to develop a long-term perspective on students' educational journeys and how to best plan for their fundamental elementary years and beyond. Under Ms. Ketcham’s leadership, Half Hollow Hills implemented award-winning programs, and its elementary schools have been rated No. 1 in Suffolk County by Niche.com.
Prior to her time as assistant superintendent for elementary education, Ms. Ketcham held numerous positions in the education field, beginning her career as an elementary teacher in the Babylon School District, where she taught primary and intermediate grades, as well as general education students and students with disabilities. Ms. Ketcham then went on to serve as principal in both the Bayport-Blue Point and Hicksville school districts. In both districts, her leadership was marked by innovation, strong school-community partnerships and a focus on the whole child.
“After an extensive search for our district’s new leader, we are pleased to welcome Ms. Ketcham as our next superintendent,” said Board of Education President Jill Levine. “Ms. Ketcham embodies all the qualities that our community deemed essential in its next leader. I am confident that she will lead our district with integrity, vision and a deep commitment to excellence. Her collaborative approach and proven track record in educational leadership make her the ideal choice to guide us into the future.”
“I am honored and privileged to join this exceptional school district,” said Ms. Ketcham. “As I step into this important leadership role, I do so with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to the entire Merrick school community. I look forward to working with our incredible educators, our dedicated families, and, most importantly, our bright and talented students. Together, we will ensure all students receive the support, opportunities and inspiration they need to succeed and thrive.”
Ms. Ketcham holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Old Westbury and a master’s degree and school district administrator certificate from Stony Brook University. She has also completed additional leadership training through both Columbia University and Harvard University’s Principal Institute. Ms. Ketcham’s work in education has been recognized with several honors, most recently including the Champion of Education Award from SUNY Old Westbury, which acknowledged her exceptional leadership and impact in the field of education.
Photo Captions:
1: Diana Ketcham was appointed as the new superintendent of schools for the Merrick School District, effective July 1, 2025.
2: The Merrick Board of Education congratulates Diana Ketcham on being appointed as the district’s next superintendent of schools, effective July 1, 2025. From left to right: Board Trustees Dr. Nancy Kaplan, Nicole Venditti and Butch Yamali, Board President Jill Levine, newly appointed superintendent Diana Ketcham, Board Vice President Linda Wilk, and Board Trustees Jennifer Schatzman and Gina Piskin.
Date Added: 4/9/2025