Elementary Principal Search Begins

Superintendent David Quattrone today announced he will begin the process for selecting a principal for the Elementary School. Last year, after former Principal Thomas Wilson was named Middle School Principal, Quattrone recommended Heidi Menzel and Adrienne Laitman as interim Principal and interim Assistant Principal, respectively. Quattrone said, "The current leadership team at the Elementary School has performed admirably, not only sustaining past progress but also adding depth and breadth to the School's programs and services." This year the School has implemented full day Kindergarten, introduced an internationally validated mathematics curriculum, and moved forward on the District's critical and creative thinking initiative.

Quattrone said he welcomed Menzel as a candidate for the position, but added, "It is important to go through a process that assures all constituencies that we are looking at many promising applicants and selecting the best possible candidate to move the School forward in the years to come."

The process will be coordinated by Quattrone, Assistant Superintendent John Kehoe, and Director of Pupil Personnel Services Rachel Kelly. As with last year's principal selection, the process will include participation by parents and staff in several ways. The tentative schedule follows:

• February 10 Advertisement in the New York Times
• February 13 Open meeting for Faculty and Staff (2:20 PM Fireplace Room)
• February 14 Open meeting for Parents (8:30 AM Fireplace Room)
• February 15 -28 Online survey for parent and staff comments
• March 4  First round of interviews (5-10 candidates)
• March 11 Second round of interviews by committee representing administrators, faculty, parents and Board of Education (2-5 candidates)
• Reference checks, school visits 
• Board of Education approves final candidate

Quattrone hopes to recommend an appointment at the April Board of Education meeting.