Incoming New Rochelle Schools Principal Formally Introduced to Parents and Faculty at Trinity Elementary

“Absolutely ecstatic.”

That’s how a beaming Anthony DiCarlo described his reaction last week to receiving a phone call offering him the position of Principal at Trinity Elementary School.

DiCarlo was introduced to the faculty and PTA on Wednesday. He described himself as a “very approachable” and a “team player”.

“I want to thank you for having trust in me,” said DiCarlo, vowing to take Trinity to the next level.

It has been a bumpy ride the past few years at Trinity with a high turnover rate in the building leadership position.

Since 1998 there has been 12 administrators in 14 positions at Trinity not counting Rolando Briceño and Nadine Pacheco who each held two positions. There has been five Principals: Spencer Wiles (who became Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel and Curricular Services in New Rochelle), Judi Pandolfo (who left to become the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & instruction in Darien, CT), Jackie Herman (who left for family reasons), Rick McMahon (interim for 2 years) and Rolando Briceño (the last three years). There have also been six Assistant Principals: Judi Pandolfo, Joe Williams, Herman Whaley, Rolando Briceño, Nadine Pacheco and Inas Morsi-Hogans. And three Administrative Assistants to the Principal (before this third building administrator position was eliminated two years back): Shelli Owens, Nadine Pacheco and Inas Morsi-Hogans.

This a far more turnover than in the other schools in New Rochelle. During the same period, the number of principals at the other schools has been: Barnard (2), Columbus (2, now going on 3), Davis (2), Jefferson (3), Ward (2), Webster (2), ALMS (2), IEYMS (3) and NRHS (2).

DiCarlo promises to bring a new level of engagement and stability.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Korostoff who will be DiCarlo’s supervisor come July felt DiCarlo’s comments resonated with the faculty and parents. He felt this remarks reflected DiCarlo’s collaborative leadership style and his interest in developing partnerships with all of the stakeholder groups and how their success would be his success.

“Trinity is a school that yearns for administrative stability,” said Korostoff. “I believe that Mr. DiCarlo’s experience as successful principal in nearby districts and his demonstrated ability to establish strong positive working relationships with staff, students and their families will provide a solid foundation for continuing to advance the school’s educational agenda and building upon the academic gains already realized.”

Parents are ready for that.

“Mr. DiCarlo comes across as the man who can form unity throughout our school,” said Trinity parent and PTA member Elizabeth Foote. “Trinity is getting the new beginning it needs.”

“I want to work with you,” said DiCarlo in promising to be very visible in the school, interacting with teachers, staff, parents and students. DiCarlo told teachers and parents on hand that he would have an “open door” policy and encouraged them to stop by this office once he gets settled in this summer.

Parents at the school are excited.

“I was in the building the day Mr. DiCarlo came in to interview for the position,” said parent and PTA member Claire O’Connell. “His excitement was overwhelming.”

“He is ready to get to work and so am I,” added an enthusiastic O’Connell.

In making the introduction, Schools Superintendent Richard Organisciak expressed his confidence in the selection of DiCarlo. Organisciak thanked PTA members and Trinity faculty on the selection committee for their effort in helping choose the new principal. DiCarlo is expected to be formally approved for the position when the New Rochelle Board of Education meets on June 26th and will begin as principal on July 1.

DiCarlo will succeed outgoing principal Rolando Briceño who was appointed to the position in 2009 after serving was the Assistant Principal at Trinity under former principal Richard McMahon.

After the formal introductions ended, DiCarlo moved easily and confidently among the faculty and parents in attendance. He offered a warm greeting and an open smile to everyone, demonstrating the practiced engagement of a politician.

DiCarlo is, in fact, an elected official in Putnam County where he represents the 9th District in the Putnam County Legislature where he represents the Town of Carmel and Hamlet of Mahopac. DiCarlo, a Republican, served on the Carmel Town Council for seven years before his election to Putnam County’s 9th legislative seat.

DiCarlo currently serves as Director of Special Education, Pupil Personnel Services and Curriculum & Instruction with the Tuckahoe Union Free School District. His previous experience includes a five-year stint as principal of Tuckahoe’s William E. Cottle School as well as prior experience serving as principal of Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School in Shrub Oak and Tuckahoe Middle School. He is a past president of the Middle School Principals Association.

Mr. DiCarlo has both a B.A. in International Studies/Spanish and a Master’s in Education from Iona College.