Thursday, October 1, 2026
As the Levittown School District continues its commitment to providing exceptional support and opportunities for every learner, the district is strengthening its special education leadership team for the 2026-27 school year. With the appointment of a new assistant superintendent for special education and administration, a new director for special education and two assistant directors for special education, the district is building on its commitment to ensuring students, families and staff receive the highest level of service and success.
The district is pleased to welcome Joseph Sapienza as its assistant superintendent for special education and administration, along with three experienced administrators who will help lead the district's special education department during the 2026-27 school year.
Sapienza joins Levittown from the Jericho School District, where he has served as principal of Cantiague Elementary School since 2021. Prior to that, he served as curriculum associate for pupil personnel services (secondary) from September 2014 through June 2021. He began his career as a special education teacher. Throughout his career, Sapienza has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting students, staff and families through his expertise in special education and educational leadership.
Also stepping into a new role is Dr. Robert Mueller, as Levittown’s new director for special education. Mueller has served as Levittown’s assistant director for special education since November 2023. Prior to joining the district, he served as director of pupil services in Valley Stream District 24 and spent many years as a school psychologist in the East Meadow School District before moving into administration. Beginning his career as a school psychologist, his experience, leadership and commitment to students and families will continue to strengthen the district’s special education programs.
The board also appointed Shannon Piccione as assistant director for special education. Piccone most recently served as acting chairperson for special education at Levittown Memorial, where she supported students and families through the important transition from CPSE to CSE. Prior to that role, she served as a teaching assistant and special education teacher in the district since 2018, primarily at Wisdom Lane Middle School. Her dedication to Levittown students, firsthand knowledge of the district and commitment to the community make her a tremendous addition to the administrative team.
The district is also pleased to welcome Gissell Scottborgh to the special education leadership team as assistant director for special education. She joins the district from Promise Academy Charter Schools in Harlem, where she has served as director of special services since 2020. Prior to that, she held several leadership and instructional roles within the organization, including director of special education and ENL, learning specialist and founding teacher. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting students with diverse learning needs while building collaborative partnerships with staff and families.
Together, these leaders bring decades of experience in special education, instructional leadership and student support to Levittown. The district looks forward to the positive impact this team will have in strengthening services and creating opportunities for every student to succeed.
