Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education kicked off the 2026-27 school year at its annual reorganization meeting on July 8, highlighting the ongoing search for a new principal at Ogden Elementary School, recognizing student leadership and reviewing a slate of capital improvement projects taking place across the district this summer.
The reorganizational meeting, held at the district’s administration building, established the board’s leadership and committees for the coming year while providing updates on district initiatives that will continue through the summer before students return in September.
Superintendent Dina Anzalone said the search for Ogden Elementary School’s next principal remains a top priority and has entered its final stages.
“The principal search continues,” Anzalone said, noting that a committee made up of parents, staff members and students has been interviewing candidates. “Hopefully, we’re going to have a decision next week.”
The new principal will succeed the school’s previous administrator ahead of the 2026-27 school year. District officials have emphasized the importance of community involvement throughout the selection process, with representatives from multiple stakeholder groups participating in interviews.
Anzalone also shared details of a summer leadership retreat for district administrators, who were scheduled to visit the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum to study leadership and decision-making under pressure.
“The museum tells the story of sacrifice, legacy and the special operators of Naval Special Warfare,” she said. “We make decisions every day that we think are difficult. Imagine going through one of the most rigorous training programs in the military and the decisions they have to make on the fly while staying calm. I’m hoping we’ll have some real learning and takeaways to bring back to the district.”
The board also welcomed Ella Findling, Hewlett High School’s newly elected Student Council president, who provided the first student report of the new school year.
Findling reflected on the successful graduation of the Class of 2026 before looking ahead to student activities planned for the fall.
“We’ve already started planning for next year,” she said. “The executive board is working on homecoming early to make sure everything is organized and ready to go. Over the next few months, we’ll also be planning fundraisers and activities for the school year. We’re looking forward to creating opportunities for students to be involved and continuing to build a positive school community.”
She thanked the Board of Education for supporting student initiatives and providing opportunities for students to succeed.
Trustee Francois Tenenbaum updated residents on the district’s capital improvement program, outlining several construction projects that will continue throughout the summer months.
At Woodmere Middle School, crews are installing a new synthetic turf field along with a shade shelter and a storage building that will house physical education and athletic equipment. District officials are also evaluating additional improvements to student drop-off and pickup areas to improve traffic flow and safety.
Franklin Early Childhood Center is receiving building upgrades, including roof replacement work, while the district continues installing energy management systems designed to improve efficiency and building operations.
A new storage facility is also being constructed at Hewlett High School to accommodate equipment associated with the school’s recently completed athletic facility improvements.
The projects are part of the district’s ongoing effort to modernize school facilities while minimizing disruptions by completing construction during summer recess.
Board members also approved several policy updates and routine business items, including contracts for mandated summer special education services.
The district’s next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Aug. 12.
