By Tom Jordan
New principals at high school, middle school
With the dawn of a new school year on the horizon, a new era will begin at both South Side High School and South Side Middle School, as two new principals try and fill the sizable shoes of their predecessors. Carol Burris and Tom Ricupero -- who officially took over their posts at the High School and Middle School, respecively, on July 1 -- anxiously await the opening of the schools' doors on September 6.
Ms. Burris will replace Robin Calitri, who retired after 16 years of distinguished service to South Side last June.
After teaching Spanish at Lawrence High School for seven years, where she also served as the summer school principal, Ms. Burris took over as assistant principal at South Side in 1997. She is the first female principal in the history of the school.
Ms. Burris earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science from Hofstra University and a Master of Science degree in Spanish Education and a Professional diploma in Education Administration from Long Island University at C.W. Post. She is currently pursuing a doctorate degree at Columbia University.
She resides in East Rockaway with her husband Jesse, and their daughters Sarah, Katy and Bridget.
"I'm excited to begin the school year, and I'm very proud to take over as the principal of such an outstanding high school," Ms. Burris said. "I'm looking forward to working with the students and faculty to ensure that all children will be well served, and will have every opportunity to achieve great success."
Ms. Burris said that she especially looks forward to meeting the incoming class.
Mr. Ricupero, the new principal of South Side Middle School, also previously served as assistant principal. He was appointed on an interim basis in July of 1999, after 20 years within the Rockville Centre School District, which began with his being hired as a special education teacher in 1979. He eventually became chairperson for the department, and in 1994, he was appointed as its instructional supervisor.
Mr. Ricupero resides in Rockville Centre with his wife Nancy and their three children -- Lindsey, Kristen and Kevin.
"I think both Ms. Burris and Mr. Ricupero will be very successful at their respective jobs," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Johnson.
Dr. Johnson said he believes the transition will go smoothly due to the new principals' familiarity with the district's educational values. "They know what our expectations are. The learning curve disappears when you're able to hire someone from within. We are very fortunate in Rockville Centre to have two principals who know the school district and understand our educational system."
While not necessarily in disagreement with the school board's selections in replacing Mr. Calitri and Mr. VandeWater, the Rockville Centre Teachers' Association expressed disappointment in not being involved in the selection process, as they often had been in the past.
"In the past, a committee of parents, students and teachers interviewed candidates for major administrative positions. This committee [in the past] forwarded its recommendations to the Board of Education about the candidates interviewed," said Association President Jim Pepe.
"This process was abrogated in appointing principals at South Side High School and South Side Middle School. We believe that this process of involving the school community in recommending candidates for administrative positions should be reinstated. These positions are ones of public service, and the constituency they serve should be involved in the selection process.
"However, we do wish these people well in their new positions. We also can assure these people and the community that the Rockville Centre teachers will give them their best effort and continued support, just as they have always done in the past."
Board member Keith Gaskell said that given the extensive experience of both candidates, the board thought it best to expedite both appointments, without consulting the Teachers' Union. "It's difficult to consult other people when a fine internal candidate is available," he said. "This was the case with both Ms. Burris and Mr. Ricupero."
Donald Chung, a former assistant principal and math chairman at Huntington High School, has been hired to fill Ms. Burris' position at South Side High School.
"We're pleased with the new staff and administration at South Side Middle School," said Mr. Ricupero. "We were very busy all summer in preparing for this year, developing new programs and revising some of the old ones. The teachers are here and anxious to start the school year, and I am too."
Michelle Burget, who served as instructional supervisor for the middle school last year, has been named assistant principal. Coming in as instructional supervisor is Dr. Jill DeRosa. Mr. Ricupero said that Ms. Burget is "an asset to the staff" and that Dr. DeRosa brings to the school "a fine background in language arts, as well as fresh ideas."
Robert Bartels was hired as the new Assistant Superintendent for Business for the school district. Mr. Bartels' responsibilities will pertain to budgeting, accounting and purchasing matters. He replaces Jeffrey Burns, whose departure last spring vacated the position. Mr. Bartels was previously a financial administrator in the kings Park School District.
