Mamaroneck Taps Experienced Teacher To Help Lead Special Ed Program

MAMARONECK, NY — The Mamaroneck Union Free School District has named a familiar face to a key position.

At Tuesday evening's meeting, the Board of Education approved the appointment of John Boniello as Interim Pre-K-12 Director of Special Education. Boniello will replace Alex Casabona and will join the Student Support Services team, along with Assistant Superintendent Nora Mazzone and Jennifer Monaco (also a Pre-K-12 Dir. of Special Education).

Boniello has already worked extensively with school districts in the Hudson Valley helping schools to implement evidence-based special education practices and putting systems in place for regular learning assessments.

"John is a talented administrator and a strong facilitator who comes with a deep understanding of special education through both the legal and pedagogical lens," Mazzone said. "His past work with our team enabled us to broaden our assessment practices so that we better distinguish between a disability and cultural and linguistic differences. I have every confidence that he will be an outstanding asset to our team and build strong partnerships with both parents and staff."

Boniello began his career as a special education teacher in the NYC Department of Education at the middle school and high school levels. Six years later, he became a bilingual special education specialist in the Lower Hudson Regional Special Education Technical Assistance Support Center at Putnam Northern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and then his current position as director of the center since February of 2020.

"I am very excited to join the Student Support Services team in Mamaroneck," Boniello said. "My goal is always to improve student outcomes, and this position gives me an opportunity to have a real impact for the students of Mamaroneck. I am most excited to work with the teachers, families, students, and administrators to implement what works for every student. I am hopeful that my experience in the classroom and as a professional development specialist will prove beneficial to the community and to the students."