Moving up the ranks at MacArthur

MacArthur High School has a new general. Joseph Sheehan was named the new principal at the beginning of the summer, taking the reins of the school named for the legendary U.S. Army leader.

Sheehan has been the assistant principal there since 2007, so his promotion ensures a familiar face for students and staff. “These past eight years have been the highlight of my career,” he said. “I feel that I’m ready to step up to the plate and embark upon my own leadership journey.”

The Queens native started his career as a phys. ed. teacher at Intermediate School 318 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a post he held for 15 years. Sheehan has a bachelor’s degree in pre-law and social science from Long Island University, a master’s in exercise science and physiology from LIU Brooklyn and an administrative certificate from Queens College.

Sheehan replaced Kathleen Valentino, who retired at the end of June. They worked together at MacArthur for five years, and Sheehan said he learned much from her. He has “big shoes to fill,” he said, noting her love of and pride in the school.

“Kathy was the consummate professional,” he said. “She’s leaving behind an incredible atmosphere for learning.”

That atmosphere is his to mold now. Sheehan said he hoped his enthusiasm and passion for education can take MacArthur to a new level. “You never want to settle,” he said. “Just when you think you’re satisfied, that’s when you challenge yourself to bring success even further.”

As assistant principal, Sheehan described himself as the “building manager.” He was responsible for discipline, safety and security, cleanliness and appearance, and attendance issues. He also conducted teacher observations, and sat on the pupil personnel team and the school development committee.

As principal, he will be responsible for setting the overall tone for the school. He will also have to collaborate with the principal of Division Avenue High School, on the north side of the district, and will work more closely with the central administration.

Superintendent Dr. Tonie McDonald said that Sheehan was the right man for the position, and that she was glad to have a qualified candidate promoted from within the school. She noted his strong work ethic and compassionate nature.

“He’s very committed to MacArthur, and always has been,” McDonald said. “He just goes above and beyond in everything that he does. He certainly has the respect of teachers and students and everyone at Central office.”

Sheehan said he wants students and staff to see him as supportive and approachable, firm but fair. He added that he wants his leadership of the school to be based on respect, not fear. “As an educational leader, you have to have trust,” he said.

Running a high school comes with great responsibility, he said, because his staff is charged with preparing students for the real world.

A huge supporter of MacArthur athletics, Sheehan said that while sports are an important part of the school’s culture, he wants his student-athletes to remember that their academic responsibilities come first. At the same time, however, he added, students should not limit their high school experience to going to class and doing their homework. They should immerse themselves in the many extracurricular activities MacArthur has to offer. “Don’t just be that 95 average student,” he said. “What else can you bring us?”

Sheehan said he is fortunate to have a strong group of teachers and support staff at MacArthur, and that they go above and beyond by attending events such as Homecoming and the Pink-Out football game. “MacArthur is an overall team effort and team success, from A through Z,” he said.

The school, which covers the southern end of the Levittown School District, takes in students from three communities, including parts of Wantagh and Seaford. Sheehan said that those geographical differences don’t matter. “They all come from different communities, but once you come to this building, you’re part of the MacArthur family,” he said. “You’re a student here. You’re a general.”

Sheehan, 45, is married, and has two sons. He enjoys attending Broadway shows and other theater productions, as well as traveling.

He said he is looking forward to the first day of school in September. “I’m just proud and honored to be the principal of this building,” he said. “I’m going to put my blood, sweat and tears into furthering our accomplishments.”