The Valley Stream Central High School District has announced the appointment of Fabian Jara as principal and Shelida Lee as assistant principal of Memorial Junior High School, effective July 1.
Jara brings more than two decades of experience in education to his new role, all within the Valley Stream Central High School District. Since 2021, he has served as assistant principal at Valley Stream North High School, where his responsibilities included overseeing student affairs, supporting instructional improvements, managing safety protocols and serving as the district’s Dignity for All Students Act coordinator.
Before joining the administrative team at North High School, Jara worked as dean of students and spent 16 years teaching Spanish. He earned a Master of Science in Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from St. John’s University, as well as a Professional Diploma in Educational Administration and Supervision from LIU Post. He also holds New York State certification as a School Building Leader and District Level Leader.
Lee joins Memorial’s administrative team after serving the school for six years as a special educator. In her current role as administrative intern, she has assisted with organizing orientation for incoming seventh graders, helped develop the master schedule and led the school’s redesignation application for National Schools to Watch.
Known for her collaborative and student-centered leadership style, Lee has also focused on restorative practices, culturally responsive-sustaining education paradigms and teacher mentorship. She earned both a Master of Science in Education and a Master of Arts in Sociology from St. John’s University and is completing an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership at LIU Post.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Jara and Ms. Lee to their new leadership roles at Memorial Junior High School,” Superintendent of Schools Wayne Loper said. “Both have dedicated years to the students and families in the Valley Stream Central High School District, and have shown deep care and professionalism in their roles. We are confident that Memorial will remain in good hands under their watch.”
