Districts welcome incoming principals

This past June, in addition to the sizable number of students who graduated from the Oceanside and Island Park school districts, three principals moved on from their positions: Rhonda Gelbwasser from School 6, Ronald Schoen from School 8 and Dr. Thalia Venditti from Lincoln Orens Middle School. Three new principals have been hired to replace them.

Julie McGahan — School 6

McGahan is a speech-language therapist, and her expertise lies in areas like childhood development and language skills. She is trained in both literacy and mathematics and served as principal of Mt. Pleasant Elementary School in Smithtown. McGahan said that School 6, which fosters pre-kindergarten and kindergarten development, was an ideal fit for her.

“I knew the second I walked in the door that School 6 was a special, magical place,” McGahan said. “I was so impressed with the level of enthusiasm and involvement.”

While McGahan has big shoes to fill this fall, she said she plans to help build a foundation in language skills for youngsters that will help pave the way to success with literacy development and an understanding of mathematical concepts.

McGahan said she is anxious to get started and insists she will do her best to continue the strong educational foundation that Oceanside is know for.

“I am looking forward to working with teachers and parents to develop the language skills which are the foundation to future success in all areas of academics and life,” she said. “I knew from the first moment that School 6 possessed the exact sense of community that I was looking for.”

Laurie Storch — School 8

Another principal who will be joining the Oceanside school district is Laurie Storch, who has been a school administrator since 2001. From 2001 to 2004, Storch served as an assistant principal in Florida and later become principal in 2004. She previously taught physical education and third grade.

“My role is to support the School 8 family as we grow and learn together,” Storch said. “The focus on developing social emotional literacy and character education for every Oceanside student demonstrates the priorities and values of a cutting edge, progressive district.”

Like McGahan, Storch knew right away that Oceanside was a perfect match for her upon her visit her. During an initial trip to School 8, staff members told her about the high expectations and hardworking professionals who aim to improve student achievement.

“When I heard that response, it made me want to click my heels and say, ‘There is no place like home!’” she said. “From that moment on, I knew I was in the right place.”

John Barnes — Lincoln Orens

Perhaps a perfect choice, John Barnes is set to become the new principal of Lincoln Orens Middle School in Island Park. Barnes had seven years of experience as a middle school principal in New York City, and this September, he will replace Dr. Thalia Venditti, who served as the school principal for the past nine years. Barnes has experience as a staff developer, fourth grade teacher and school administrator with a deep understanding of children and adolescents, said Island Park Schools Superintendent Dr. Rosmarie Bovino.

“Supervisors and colleagues describe him as a ‘people person’ who has excellent relationships with teachers, parents and students,” Bovino said in a written statement. “He is praised as being ‘always approachable and responsive.’”

Bovino also said that Barnes was on a short-list of candidates the districts chose from. She added that he has an exceptional work ethic, and has instituted many creative programs and successful approaches to improving social dynamics in schools.