New principals at East Rockaway High School

After more than two decades, students in grades seven through 12 will meet a new principal on the first day of classes in September as Joseph Spero embarks on his first official school day as principal of East Rockaway High School.

Spero has technically been principal at the high school since July 1, but he is eagerly awaiting the first day of school on Sept. 4 when the halls and classrooms will be filled with students and teachers.

“When you come in and start over the summer, it’s an odd thing because we have so much energy,” Spero said of himself and new assistant principal Dina Reilly. “We want it to be September. I’m really looking forward to the kids coming through the door on the first day.” There will be an adjustment period for the students, he added, because Bill Fortgang was principal of the school for so long.

Spero began his career in education in Queens where he taught English for six years and where he also met his wife, Jennifer. After moving out of Queens he taught for a few more years before becoming an administrator. His positions include an associate principal in Ossining and principal of Nyack High School, a position he held for the past three years.

Growing up in Queens, Spero said, gives him some familiarity of Nassau County and communities like East Rockaway. He also sought the advice of people who live in the area.

“To me it’s like a hidden treasure in a way because it isn’t widely known in other communities,” Spero said of East Rockaway, “but I was fortunate that I have family friends on Long Island, so I was able to ask people about it.” He added that he never heard a negative thing about the community, which, he said, is rare.

“It seems to be community that offers a lot of support, is tight-knit and really spirited,” he said. “There’s a lot of focus on getting kids through this critical stage of their lives and enjoying the experience.”