“Onward and Upward” – Administrative changes at high school & elementary levels

New High School Principal to be appointed

Ms. Marguerite Fusco

The Warwick Valley Central School District Board of Education will appoint WVHS Associate Principal Marguerite Fusco as the new Principal at Warwick Valley High School, as Dr. Larry Washington takes on the role of Superintendent at the Washingtonville Central School District.

Ms. Fusco graduated from Manhattan College with a bachelor degree in mathematics and a minor in education. She received a master’s degree in secondary mathematics education from the City College of New York and a second master’s degree in Educational Administration from the College of New Rochelle. In addition, she has School District Administrator and Mathematics Gr. 7-12 certifications.

Ms. Fusco began her career in education as a science and mathematics teacher in the Bronx. After four years, she moved her career to Rockland County, where she taught mathematics for nineteen years and served as the standardized testing coordinator at Ramapo and Suffern High Schools. She served as the school treasurer and comptroller for student activity funds for nine years at Suffern High School.

In July 2015, Ms. Fusco came to Warwick Valley High School to be an Associate Principal. She has coordinated the administration of Regents exams, developed the master schedule, overseen the student activity funds, offered the club fair and electives fair annually to students, and served on district committees that focused on curriculum development and attendance policies.

While at WVHS, Ms. Fusco has taken on many leadership roles and responsibilities, and has been instrumental in strengthening the relationship between administration and faculty.

“My goals are to continue on the successful path the high school is on,” says Ms. Fusco, “and to maintain consistency, while working to improve and grow as a school community.”

Taking the high school to a new level

Says WVCSD Superintendent, Dr. David Leach, “When Dr. Washington joined the District, Warwick Valley High School was preparing to implement a new master schedule, planning significant renovations to the building, adding many new courses and programs, offering a renewed focus on academic achievement and welcoming close to 200 students from Greenwood Lake.

Each of these individual accomplishments have had a positive impact on student learning. But in combination, these efforts – thanks to the leadership of Dr. Washington and Ms. Fusco, along with our high-quality staff – now take our high school to a new level.

I’m very appreciative to Dr. Washington for his leadership, and know that he will be an outstanding superintendent. I’m equally excited to see what’s in store for our high school students and staff under the direction of WVHS Principal Marguerite Fusco.”

Change at the elementary schools

At the elementary level, Elementary Associate Principal Melanie Lofaro will become Coordinator of Professional Learning at Orange-Ulster BOCES. A succession plan for the elementary schools has not yet been announced.

“Mrs. Lofaro is an instructional leader. You’ll find very few building administrators who keep an unwavering focus on improving classroom instruction. Her new role will positively influence thousands of educators throughout Orange and Ulster Counties,” said WVCSD Superintendent, Dr. David Leach.

“High-quality school districts do not exist apart from strong building and district leadership. Dr. Washington and Ms. Lofaro have served our students well, and their departure continues a trend where members of our administrative team move on to positions with increased responsibilities.

“Congratulations to members of the Warwick Valley Central School District administrative team who will be moving on. They have served our district well, and we wish them the best as they seek new challenges and expanded opportunities.”