Administrator brings enthusiasm to Wantagh

A career in education wasn’t in the cards for Jennifer Santorello when she began her college studies. She soon found her calling, and her new path has led her to Wantagh High School, where she is the new assistant principal.

The district added a second assistant principal at the 1,043-student high school school this year, replacing what had been a dean position. She previously worked in the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District.

Santorello grew up in Northport and attended Fairfield University in Connecticut to study business. She worked in the business field for several years before going back to school to earn her teaching degree. Armed with a master’s degree in business education from Hofstra University, she got a job at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School.

During her six years in Plainview-Old Bethpage, Santorella taught business, advised the DECA business club, and was an associate dean. She holds a certificate in administration from Long Island University and this fall is starting a program at Hofstra to receive her doctorate in educational policy and leadership.

Santorello said that it was teaching horseback riding, one of her favorite hobbies, that sparked her interest in becoming an educator.

When the position opened up at Wantagh High School, Santorello said she thought it would be a good fit. A few of her colleagues in Plainview-Old Bethpage had children attending Wantagh schools and had great things to say about the district.

Santorello said she likes working in a district that is intertwined with the community. She noted the important role that the schools play in Wantagh.

Her primary responsibility will be handling discipline. She will also be overseeing safety and security, and conducting teacher observations. As a disciplinarian, Santorello said it is most important that she is fair and consistent, and ensure that students know and understand the rules and expectations.

She said her goal is to get to know students beyond that role. “I like to be involved with the kids,” she said. “I like to see what they’re doing and passionate about. I’m excited to see them in their elements.”

Santorello said she plans to attend plenty of activities in the coming months. Admittedly not a fan of professional sports, Santorello said she does have a passion for high school sports, “Because it’s the kids you see in the halls everyday.”

Encouraging students to get involved in extra-curricular activities is one of her goals. She noted how important those are to the high school experience.

Santorello is not the first administrator to come to Wantagh from Plainview-Old Bethpage this year. She joins John McNamara, the assistant superintendent for instruction, who was previously a middle school principal.

At the high school, she joins Principal Carolyn Breivogel and Assistant Principal James Brown. “Wantagh High School is lucky to welcome Ms. Santorello as a new member of our administrative team,” Breivogel said. “She brings with her a wealth of experience in supporting students to achieve their goals for college and career success. We look forward to working with her.”

Likewise, Santorello welcomes the chance to learn from veteran leaders. “It’s an incredible opportunity for me,” she said of coming to Wantagh, “because it comes with very knowledgeable administrators within the district. I think it’s a great place to learn how to be a fantastic administrator.”