Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Hewlett Woodmere Board of Education approved Al Bauer as interim principal of Hewlett High School for the 2026-27 school year, bringing the longtime district administrator back for another term.
The 56-year-old has worked in administrative roles for 18 years. From 2008 to 2013, Bauer served as assistant principal at the high school. In 2014, he then transitioned to principal at Woodmere Middle School, where he served in his role until turning the reins over to John Andruszkiewicz in October of 2024.
For Bauer, his shift to middle school was “perfect” because he had kids around that age, but he always wondered what could’ve been. That became a reality last year, when District Superintendent Dina Anzalone reached out at the start of her tenure following the departure of Alexandra Greenberg.
“I am thankful that he came back when I started my new leadership as a way to really help the school move forward in a positive way,” she said.
In his first year as interim, Bauer returned to some of the same students he saw roaming the hallways at the middle school, and said it provides a different perspective.
“Now I have 17- and 18-year-olds thinking about college, work, and their futures,” Bauer said.
Bauer and the high school seniors rang in the new school year with their “Senior Sunrise” as some students wore backpacks and T-shirts with his face on them. A moment that, as Anzalone said, felt like a “homecoming.”
“I knew that at that moment I made the right decision to bring him back,” she said.
This year, Bauer has had to lead while experiencing the challenges of the role and the changing landscape of the district.
In addition to developing plans for budget season like potential staffing and course offerings, Bauer has had to learn the demands of the high school level—all while school policy continues to evolve. He helped jumpstart the school’s cellphone ban as part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s legislation in July of last year, being patient with students during the process.
“It has gone fairly well,” he said. “The staff has been great and super supportive. All I need to do is pick up a phone and contact somebody.”
Bauer’s leadership is not new to Anzalone—the two have known each other since Bauer was the assistant principal when she was the director of curriculum and assessment. She added that his stability and continuity within the district will allow the high school to continue to create a positive school community, with motivated teachers who can allow students to “get the best of everything.”
“This isn’t about me filling a gap,” Anzalone said. “It’s about welcoming proven, respected leadership that our community has already embraced for years.”
Bauer’s leadership skills translate into his proactive involvement with the school community. Anzalone, who calls the office at the high school almost daily, said that the secretaries often have to search for Bauer because he’s rarely at his desk.
“He’s an active leader,” Anzalone said.
The district will resume its search for a permanent principal, and Bauer says he’s looking forward to helping the next principal when the time comes.
“I owe a lot to this community,” Bauer said. “I look forward to being here to help support the next principal and do whatever I can to leave the district in a better place.”
