As students get ready to head back to school, the Islip Bulletin spoke to local districts about the upcoming school year.

West Islip

After the retirement of school district superintendent Bernadette Burns on Aug. 15, a new superintendent has taken the reins. Dr. Paul Romanelli joined the district as the deputy superintendent on Aug. 1, overlapping with former superintendent Burns for two weeks. Dr. Romanelli joins West Islip from Long Beach Public Schools, where he served as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction and previously worked as the principal of Long Beach Middle School. 

“There’s a tremendous amount of optimism coming into the new school year about all that we can accomplish,” Romanelli said. “We’ve really overcome a lot of challenges over the last few years. People are really looking forward to being able to focus our discussions on teaching and learning, which is why we all got into this field, and doing what’s best for students.”

Romanelli noted that during the first few weeks of school, he will be immersing himself in the district. On the first day of school, he will be having lunch with some students and on the third day, he plans to ride the bus to school with a group of students.

“I’m really just trying to immerse myself in the district and get a feel for what our students are experiencing,” Romanelli said.

Islip

The Islip School District has welcomed eight new administrators. Dr. Michael Giacchetto, the principal of Islip’s Wing Elementary School since 2018, will serve as the new assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. He replaces Dr. Christopher Smalley.

After serving last year as Islip’s interim assistant superintendent for business, Donna Brower has been appointed to the position of assistant superintendent for human resources, administrative services and operations.

Michael Hershkowitz will replace Brian Kroll as the new director of fine and performing arts.

Hershkowitz had previously served as executive director of the Stony Brook Community Music Program since 2007.

Dr. Lara Gonzalez joins the district as the new principal of Islip High School. She replaces Jon LaRochester.

Also new at Islip High School this year are Charlie Rizzuto and Meghan Stern, who will work alongside Dr. Gonzalez as assistant principals.

Curt Juengerkes, who has previously served the district as both an assistant principal at Islip High School and principal at Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School, will now serve as the assistant principal of Islip Middle School. He replaces Jason Cohen, currently the Westhampton Beach School District athletic director.

Catherine Glaser will serve as the new principal of Wing Elementary School, replacing Dr. Giacchetto.

East Islip

East Islip school superintendent John V. Dolan said, “We are very excited and looking forward to a great 2022-23 school year!”

Bay Shore

Bay Shore school superintendent of schools Dr. Steven J. Maloney said:

“We are looking forward to another great year in the Bay Shore School District. We will continue to foster and celebrate our students’ achievements in a welcoming, supportive environment. Our priority remains the health and safety of our students and staff. Over the past few years, we began taking steps to secure the physical safety of our school buildings. This process will continue during the 2022-2023 school year so that we better ensure that we are providing the safest learning environment possible. We also recognize the important role mental health and wellness plays in academic endeavors. Our efforts to provide our students and staff with the mental health resources, education, and instruction that they need in order to be their best will be expanded this year. I know that the tireless efforts and dedication of our staff will ensure our students continue to achieve and excel in the 2022-2023 school year.”

First day back by district

West Islip – Aug. 30

Islip – Sept. 1

Bay Shore – Sept. 6

East Islip – Sept. 6

Update on school meals

The USDA did not authorize the continuation of free school meals for all students during the 2022-2023 school year. Districts will once again be required to charge students for breakfast and lunch. If you feel you need help covering the cost of school meals, you must complete a new Free and Reduced application for the 2022-2023 school year. Benefits are based on the income of the household. Applications are available on the website of each district.