A new face at Long Beach High School

Freshmen won't be the only new faces roaming the halls of Long Beach High School in September. Long Beach newcomer Dr. Gaurav Passi will take over for retiring Principal Nick Restivo.

Passi spent two years as an assistant principal in Northport High School and another two as an administrative dean at Locust Valley High School after teaching social studies at Farmingdale High. Asked what was it about the open Long Beach position that appealed to him, Passi replied, "It seemed like a school focused on improvement."

Both Northport and Locust Valley offer the International Baccalaureate program, which has been implemented in Long Beach for the 2010-11 school year. Passi said that it is very exciting that the district is starting the I.B. program, and that the area's diverse community is one of its strengths. "I'm excited about the new challenge," he said.

Passi, a Levittown resident, is no stranger to Long Beach. He and his wife, Michelle, often visit the barrier island to take walks on the boardwalk and dine at West End restaurants. "The Long Beach community is a great town," he said. "I'm very much looking forward to beginning."

Passi and the other candidates for the principal's job went through a rigorous application process, which included interviews with Superintendent Dr. Robert Greenberg, a 25-person committee, curriculum directors and Board of Education trustees as well as extensive background and reference checks and the submission of writing samples.

Greenberg said that he and Assistant Superintendent Vincent Butera screened 30 applications to narrow the group to 12, from which the candidates dwindled to five and then three.

"We feel that he has the strengths, assets, demeanor, background and experience that matches our high school needs and the community well," said Greenberg. "We're really excited about him coming."

Asked if Passi's experience with the I.B. program gave him an edge over other candidates, Greenberg explained that that experience was an asset, but "he also had background and experience well beyond I.B. that made him an attractive candidate."

School board President Lynn Gergen said that Passi's experience as a teacher and an administrator will only benefit the high school staff. "I was impressed with his research of our district — his concern and determination to improve our high school graduation record and his knowledge of the International Baccalaureate program," Gergen said.

Greenberg said that many factors are weighed when candidates are interviewed for this type of position, including what they know about the community and the school district, their leadership ability, what direction they want to take the school and whether they are a good fit. "Lots of folks may present well, but there has to be what we think is a good connection," Greenberg said.

Passi will officially begin his work in Long Beach on July 1, and has already set a goal of getting involved in the community. "I hope to get to know as many community members and as many kids as soon as possible," he said.

The school district is inviting residents to meet and welcome Passi at a reception prior to the June 22 Board of Education meeting, at 6:30 p.m.

Greenberg said the district is focusing on its new principal's ability to implement the I.B. program, raise graduation rates, close the achievement gap and "make the face of LBHS one that is recognized for its academic purpose."

Gergen said she would like to see students look forward to learning and begin exploring different areas of interest. "I feel that Dr. Passi will be the catalyst who will inspire teacher innovation in creating a rigorous education atmosphere for our students," she said.

Asked if he had anything specific that he would like to achieve in Long Beach, Passi said, "Before I can come up with any real plans, I need to spend some time learning about the school and learning about the community." He added that he would like to eventually leave Long Beach better than when he arrived.