Board picks assistant principal to replace Mignella at Memorial Junior High School

The Central High School District Board of Education appointed Bret Strauss as principal of Memorial Junior High School on Sept. 13, filling a vacancy left by Anthony Mignella since August.

Strauss has spent 15 years in the district in both teaching and administrative positions — most recently, as assistant principal of Memorial Junior High School.

“It’s pretty amazing,” Strauss said. “It’s just an honor. There’s been a lot of work in terms of helping and trying to be a part of the building and helping to grow the building. So now, to lead the building — it’s just an amazing opportunity and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Superintendent Bill Heidenreich said the process to find a new principal culminated in July. More than 70 candidates applied for the position, which was vacated by Mignella on Aug. 19, who left the district for an administrative position in the Baldwin School District.

Strauss appeared before a committee that involved teachers, parents and administrators to audition for the role. After Strauss completed a writing sample and interviewed with the school board, Heidenreich said he emerged as the top candidate.

“He is very likeable,” Heidenreich said. “He is very diligent. He’s hard working. As an assistant principal, you’re behind the scenes, so we’re looking forward to seeing his emergence to assume the principal role at Memorial.”

Strauss said he felt supported by his colleagues throughout his time working in Valley Stream.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” Strauss said. “The support this building has shown me as assistant principal for five years and now as principal, it just validates all the great work that we’ve done and it’s an amazing feeling.”

His first day as principal was Sept. 14.