Forest Road Elementary gets a new principal, again.

The Valley Stream District 30 Board of Education has tapped Marisela Sanchez, a behavioral therapist, and a former Brooklyn assistant principal, as the next principal of Forest Road Elementary School. Her first official day will be July 1.

The announcement made during the board of education meeting on April 16 is the district’s latest administrative shake-up following sudden news of Principal Alison Bruno’s imminent departure after a single school year. 

Bruno had replaced Forest Road’s long-serving principal, Erin Malone, who herself was reshuffled as the new principal of Shaw Avenue Elementary School in 2023.

District officials have described Sanchez “as an experienced and visionary educational leader with extensive experience in managing daily operations to foster a positive learning environment and support student success.” 

She recently served as assistant principal at Riverview School PS 227Q in Queens. In her other former roles, including as a behavior analysis instructional coach, Sanchez successfully worked with teachers, parents, and staff to develop and implement school-wide behavior management plans. She conducted regular observations and provided constructive feedback to teachers, guiding them on how to manage challenging behaviors and create a positive classroom culture. Furthermore, she initiated restorative justice practices within the school, promoting conflict resolution and teaching students the importance of empathy and accountability.

“I am honored to have been appointed as the new principal of Forest Road Elementary School,” said Sanchez. “I am excited to join the dedicated team of educators, parents, and community members of Valley Stream District 30, and I look forward to working together to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment.”

Sanchez earned her bachelor of arts in early childhood education from CUNY Brooklyn College and a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from St. Joseph University, a master’s degree in school building leadership from CUNY Brooklyn College, and a master’s degree in Special Education from Touro School of Education, Graduate Division.