Meet the new East Islip principal

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Anthony Montemarano has been appointed as the new principal of East Islip Middle School (EIMS), replacing interim principal John Dolan, and Nicholas Spiegler has been named as an assistant principal at the school.

While former EIMS principal Michael Hansen was appointed and stepped into the position just last summer, his reign as principal was short. His resignation as EIMS principal was approved at the April 16 board of education meeting, effective June 30. As of May 10, Hansen went on a leave of absence for the remainder of the school year.

Former superintendent John Dolan was appointed as interim principal at the May 21 board of education meeting, effective May 28 and running through June 28.

Montemarano was approved as the new principal at the June 10 board of education meeting, effective July 2.



NEW PRINCIPAL - ANTHONY MONTEMARANO

Prior to coming to East Islip, Montemarano served as assistant principal of West Babylon Junior High School. He previously worked as a dean, English teacher, wrestling coach and theater director for Valley Stream North High School. A Saint James resident, Montemarano earned his associate degree in criminal justice from Suffolk Community College, and his bachelor’s degree in English education, master’s degree in liberal studies, and his school building and school district leadership certifications from Stony Brook University.

“I am happy to serve the East Islip community,” Montemarano said. “I look forward to collaborating with teachers and staff to help everyone in the middle school reach their maximum potential, and to create an experience where students can be proud of where they are from.”


What first inspired you to begin a career in education?

Montemarano: I struggled with remaining engaged throughout my education until I attended Stony Brook University. There, I saw teaching as an opportunity to build connections with students, create exciting and engaging lessons, and build a foundation of character education.


What do you like to do in your free time?

Montemarano: In my free time I enjoy time with family. We like the beach, the outdoors, and staying active with sports. Working in administration and raising two multi-sport athletes does not result in much free time, so I make every effort to be present in those moments we get to celebrate together.


What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment in your career?

Montemarano: As a teacher, my proudest moments were when I would see my students who previously struggled demonstrate their hard work in their research presentations; or while I was directing the musicals when students were able to demonstrate their talents in front of an audience; or when a wrestler I would coach received all-county honors. As an assistant principal, it would be my work with community building and developing relationships with students and staff to help to create a positive and supportive environment in which people could reach their potential. My greatest career accomplishment was being named principal of East Islip Middle School. I look forward to the opportunity to positively impact this community.



NEW ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - NICHOLAS SPIEGLER

Spiegler served for the past two years as an instructional technology coach in the Freeport School District. He previously worked across the New York City area as a private technology integration consultant. Prior to working in the instructional technology world, he was a classroom teacher at the high school, middle school and elementary school levels for 10 years in various districts across Long Island and three years in Fairfax, Va.

An East Islip resident, Spiegler earned his bachelor’s degree in adolescent education/social studies from SUNY Old Westbury, his master’s degree in childhood education/special education from LIU Post, his advanced degree in school building leadership and educational technology from New York Institute of Technology, and his advanced degree in school district leadership from Molloy University.

“I am honored and excited to step into the role of assistant principal in my own community,” Spiegler said. “As someone deeply connected to this area, I am committed to fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment for our students. I look forward to working closely with staff, students, and families to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”

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Photos courtesy of the East Islip School District