Glen Cove School Board Appoints 2 New For 2023-24 School Year

GLEN COVE, NY — The Glen Cove City School District Board of Education appointed two new principals for the 2023-24 school year, according to a news release.

Erin Nastri will assume the role of principal of Deasy Elementary School for the 2023-2024 school year on July 1, succeeding Melanie Arfman who will be retiring at the end of June.

Nastri will visit the school on Tuesday and is excited to meet everyone, school district officials said.

Throughout her career, she has focused on advocating for the whole child and she has 20 years of experience working in education as a teaching assistant, elementary classroom teacher, summer school assistant principal in Great Neck School District, and most recently as an assistant principal in Three Village Central School District.

Nastri said she believes "all children should have access to a safe, secure, and enriching learning environment."

"In keeping with this philosophy, I have piloted initiatives which seek to promote self-regulatory strategies for students, including a sensory hallway, therapy dogs visiting classrooms through Paws for Positivity, and a [Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports] bus program," she said.

Nastri believes deeply in creating strong relationships with all members of our school community, according to school district officials.

She is honored to continue the many great traditions of sparking curiosity and embracing inclusivity that the community values, officials said.

Superintendent Maria Rianna is asking the community to join her "in warmly welcoming" Nastri to the district.

"With her vision, dedication, and experience, I am confident that our students will thrive under her leadership," she said. "We look forward to working together to provide the best possible education for our children."

Randy Arnold will assume the role of principal of Gribbin Elementary School on July 1, succeeding Francince Santoro who will be retiring at the end of June.

Schools district officials described Arnold as a dedicated educational leader with extensive experience and expertise in elementary education and educational leadership for over 20 years She has a passion for fostering student success and driving innovation and creativity both for educators and students, officials said.

Arnold has made significant contributions throughout her career, particularly with a focus on literacy and STEM-based initiatives, according to officials.

Arnold holds a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from Long Island University / C.W. Post Campus, a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Queens College CUNY, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Molloy University.

Her credentials include state certification as a school building leader, literacy, and elementary education.

It is with great enthusiasm that she embraces the Gribbin School community to collaborate with students, teachers, and families to grow lifelong learners, officials said. She looks forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the Glen Cove educational community, according to officials.

Schools Superintendent Maria Rianna said the community is "delighted to introduce our newly appointed elementary school principal to the district."

"We are confident that her exceptional skills, dedication, and experience will greatly benefit our students," she said. "Together, we will work towards providing the highest quality education to ensure the success of our children."