New Lakeside principal is ready for challenge

Ever since she was young, Elizabeth Trencheny knew that she wanted to be a school principal. Levy-Lakeside Elementary School in Merrick has finally given her that opportunity.

Trencheny, who began her new job on July 1, brings a long list of credentials – including more than 20 years of teaching experience – to the Merrick school district. And just two months into the job, she said, she is settling in very comfortably at Levy-Lakeside.

"It's been wonderful so far," Trencheny said. "I have an incredible group of teachers that are all experienced. I have a wonderful secretarial staff and the best PTA. I'm thrilled to be here."

Trencheny grew up in Garden City South, and spent her entire pre-college career in public schools. In high school she began to dream of becoming a principal, inspired by the assistant principal. "I thought he was absolutely wonderful," she recalled. "He really made a big impression with me, and that's who I always wanted to emulate."

Trencheny attended Adelphi University, where she earned both a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's in special education. After that she received a postgraduate diploma in educational administration from Hofstra University.

In 1989, Trencheny began her teaching career at North Side Elementary School in East Williston – and was nominated for the Sallie-Mae first-year teacher award. She spent four years at North Side, teaching second, third and fourth grade.

Her next stop was Hewlett-Woodmere Elementary School, where she taught third and fourth grade.

Trencheny's first administrative position was the assistant principal's job at Valley Stream District 30. After four years there, she took a break from teaching to spend more time at home, tending to her family – she is the mother of seven children. But after a three year hiatus, she decided it was time to return for the 2010-11 school year.

Trencheny initially applied for the open assistant principal's position at Birch Elementary School, and then she was made aware of the open position at Lakeside. She took the chance and applied for it, and now finds herself sitting at the principal's desk, facing a giant window that looks out over the expansive Lakeside school grounds.

Miriam Hanan, who was an assistant principal at Lakeside for nine years and principal for three years, retired this year. "I have big shoes to fill," said Trencheny.

She brings many new ideas to the job, and one of her first priorities has been to incorporate new technologies into the school. It has already hired a new library media specialist, and every classroom, from kindergarten through sixth grade, will have SmartBoards.

Another idea Trencheny has is to decorate the school's hallways with more student artwork, "to beautify the building," she said.

She knows that any changes she plans to implement will not happen overnight. "I think change takes time," she said. "I also believe that part of being a leader is involving your staff and your parents, and building a sense of community."

Away from school, Trencheny loves spending time outdoors, and particularly enjoys swimming and boating. A big sports fan, she regularly attends events, loves watching NCAA basketball and is an avid supporter of Notre Dame football. Her biggest passion, however, is her children.

Now she finds herself in a new town, just days away from beginning her first year as a school principal. While most people might think of this as a huge challenge, Trencheny knows – as only a mother of such a brood would know – that there is no challenge she cannot handle.

"I love being here," she said. "I think what is so wonderful about Merrick is that there's such a strong sense of community. The schools are an integral part of it, the sports programs are very important, and it just seems like the community offers something to everyone."