Fresh faces for Uniondale school district
The Uniondale School District has appointed four new leaders for the upcoming 2024-25 academic year.
“We are excited to welcome these exceptional leaders to their new roles within the Uniondale School District,” Monique Darrisaw-Akil, district superintendent, said in the news release. “Each brings unique skills and experiences that will provide an outstanding education for our students. We look forward to the positive impact they will have on our schools and our community.”
Mark McCaw, who has been a member of the district community since starting as a fourth-grader at California Avenue Elementary School, will move from his position as Uniondale High School principal to become the new principal at Lawrence Road Middle School.
McCaw also at-tended Turtle Hook Middle School, and graduated from the high school in 1991. He has worked in the district for over 15 years, starting as a high school social studies teacher for five years, and then moving to alternative high school principal, assistant principal, and principal of Uniondale High.
“One of the reasons I always wanted to come back to Uniondale is because it’s my hometown,” he said. “The culture at Uniondale is beyond special, and I’m always proud to be U Strong. I look forward to upholding an environment where all young scholars feel valued and inspired to achieve their very best,” McCaw added.
Uniondale High’s new principal will be Shawn Brown, the former principal of EBC High School for Public Service in Brooklyn. Brown has also been an adjunct professor at Brooklyn College and a Mandel Washington mentor for Rutgers University’s Global Program.
He has a doctoral degree in urban education from the City University of New York Graduate Center and a master’s degree in urban education, educational leadership, and general/special education.
“I am honored to be Uniondale High School’s new principal. It is a privilege to serve such a beautiful and close-knit community,” Brown said. “I am confident that as a team, we can empower Uniondale’s scholars to reach their full potential.”
Samantha Dias is the new principal of Grand Avenue Elementary School. She is the former coordinator of teaching and learning in the Rockville Centre School District, and she also served as the assistant principal of California Avenue Elementary School for six years.
Dias holds a doctoral degree in interdisciplinary educational studies from Long Island University and a master of arts in bilingual education from Hofstra University. She is passionate about elementary education, having spent most of her career as a bilingual educator in the Uniondale district.
“In my new role, my goal is to nurture an inclusive, innovative and positive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to excel,” Dias said.
Martin DarConte III has been named the new district director of facilities. He brings 13 years of experience in facilities management from his positions as senior construction manager at School Construction Consultants Inc., as well as six years as supervisor of operations and maintenance for the Farmingdale School District.
DarConte’s landscaping plans include adding plants and flowers on school grounds, as well as seating areas so students and staff can enjoy the views. He also wants to add air conditioning to classrooms “for increased ability to learn.”
DarConte said he wants to cultivate an environment that inspires students and faculty to enjoy their time at school.
“My goal is to transform the Uniondale School District facilities into a cutting-edge environment that is conducive for learning, growing and making lasting memories for students, community members and staff alike,” he said. “There is no greater purpose than to serve your community, and now that I’m a part of the Uniondale community, I plan to put all my efforts during my time here to that cause.”
