Pelham Public Schools to Appoint New Principal of Prospect Hill School

From the Pelham Union Free School District: The Pelham Union Free School District is pleased to announce that Superintendent Dr. Peter Giarrizzo will be recommending the appointment of Jeannine Carr as the next principal of Prospect Hill School, effective July 1, 2017.

The Board of Education is expected to officially appoint Mrs. Carr at its meeting at 8:15 pm on Tuesday, May 2.

Mrs. Carr is currently an Assistant Principal at William O. Schaefer Elementary School located in Tappan, NY and part of the South Orangetown Central School District, where she has served since 2006. She brings a wealth of experience as a school leader, is accomplished in building staff through professional development, and is well versed in special education, among many other important qualities. In her role as assistant principal, she has served as Chairperson for the Committee on Special Education, Family Resource Coordinator and on the District’s Professional Development Committee, Math Leadership Team and Social Studies Leadership Team.

“Our search for Dr. Richard Limato’s successor was robust and we received more than 130 applicants, many of whom were highly-qualified, but throughout our search, Mrs. Carr consistently stood out,” said Dr. Giarrizzo. “Her experience as an education leader, her warm demeanor and excitement for teaching and learning appealed to all of us who met and interviewed her. I am thrilled to recommend Mrs. Carr’s appointment and believe the Prospect Hill community is in good hands for years to come.

The screening process included interviews with Dr. Giarrizzo, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel Dr. Steve Garcia, and Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Rosemary Matthews. Mrs. Carr also met with three separate groups, comprised of parents, students and community members, teachers, and administrators – all of whom agreed that she was a most impressive candidate.

Mrs. Carr’s references described her as a “team player” and “enthusiastic,” and said that she garners “strong parent support.” They also praised her as having “strong expectations for student growth,” and being “visible in the community,” able to “see the long road,” and said she is an approachable leader who firmly advocates for children.”

Prospect Hill Teachers Brian Zweig and Janet Hoynes ,who chaired the teachers interview committee said, "While we had many good years with Dr. Limato as Prospect Hill's principal, we look forward to many good years with Mrs. Carr"

Mrs. Carr said she is excited to join the Prospect Hill community.

“I have heard so many wonderful things about the Pelham school community and am both humbled and eager to be a part of it,” said Mrs. Carr. “Throughout the interview process it became clear that Pelham is a district that is dedicated to providing academic experiences for children that are rigorous, relevant and builds relationships. I look forward to partnering with staff, students, parents and community members to continue the great work at Prospect Hill Elementary School.”

Prior to her tenure as an assistant principal, Mrs. Carr served as an Education Administrator- Instructional Support Specialist for the New York City Board of Education. In that role, she supervised special education programs for nine schools and modeled lessons for teachers utilizing balanced literacy, multi-sensory literacy programs and differentiated learning approaches. She previously had worked in the private sector for Pepsi-Cola North America and Benchmarking Technologies International. Mrs. Carr holds a Masters of Public Administration degree from New York University, a Masters of Business Administration degree from Iona College, a Certificate in Advanced Studies from SUNY Stony Brook in School District Business Leadership and a B.S. in Public Administration from George Mason University.

The Prospect Hill Community is welcome to join me for light refreshments and a Meet and Greet with Mrs. Carr on Monday, May 8 at 7:30 pm in the Grand Hall at Prospect Hill School. More details will be forthcoming from the Prospect Hill School PTA.

Image via Pelham Union Free School District