A familiar face in a new place

Though Thomas Naglieri will replace Hewlett High School Assistant Principal Eileen Mahoney on July 1, he’s no stranger to the Hewlett-Woodmere School District.

Naglieri, who grew up in Elmont and currently resides in Wantagh, is in his fourth year as the dean of students at Hewlett High School and taught biology and environmental science for three years in the district before his term as dean began.

Asked what will make him an effective assistant principal, Naglieri said, “I’m fair, honest and I communicate effectively with students, parents and teachers,” he said. “I’m a good listener and I take everything into account before making decisions. I’m always willing to learn new things and I promote that among students as well.” He will be one of two assistant principals at the high school. Al Bauer is the other assistant principal.

His colleague, Hewlett High School Principal Thomas Russo, has known Naglieri for 15 years. “Above all, he is a great motivator who truly cares about all students at Hewlett High School,” Russo said. “He is a highly respected and dedicated educator who will continue to be a valuable contributor to the high school in this new role.”

As an assistant principal, Naglieri hopes to aid in the change to the latest New York State mandates such as the 2 percent tax levy cap which limits the amount school districts can raise taxes. “I want to be a key player in making the transition,” he said. “I want to be a resource for teachers, students and parents while continuing to be apart of a great school district that provides a learning environment that fosters the development of our students

both academically, socially and

emotionally.”

According to Naglieri, as state mandates prove to be a major challenge, working together and collaborating with stakeholders is important to deal with new mandates. “None of us chose this,” he said. “Our policy makers, without our consent, told us what needs to be done so we have to face the challenges together; it’s the only way we’ll get through it.”

Superintendent Dr. Joyce Bisso said Naglieri is a valued administrator. “As a professional educator committed to service and continuous learning, he is well prepared to assume the responsibilities of assistant principal.”

As most teachers at Hewlett High School will be enjoying summer vacation, Naglieri will be busy continuing to pursue a doctorate in educational leadership at St. John’s University in Queens and preparing for the 2012-’13 school year as he has done each summer as dean of students. “I’m going to dissect new mandates and prepare for the changes we as a district are going to implement,” he said.