Administrators at P.S. 165 are searching for a new principal after Brett Gallini, who was credited with dramatically improving the school, resigned last month.
P.S. 165, on 109th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue, gained attention when its Department of Education ranking soared under Gallini’s leadership. But Gallini quit on Jan. 13 to help start the Neighborhood Charter School of Harlem, a new school that will open this summer.
Aracelis Castellano, who previously served as assistant principal, is currently “handling day-to-day things” at the school, Esther Friedman, the superintendent of Community School District 3, said.
Parents said they were pleased with Castellano’s leadership so far. While Tanya Gonzalez, a second-grade parent, acknowledged that parents were “shocked” by Gallini’s departure, she said that she was very happy with Castellano’s efforts.
“She knows the culture of this school. She knows the community,” Gonzalez said. She added, “I don’t think any outsider would do a better job than she’s doing.”
Juan Ramirez, a parent of a kindergartener and a P.S. 165 graduate, said, “I know her for a long time. ... I like the program.”
Friedman, who is currently listed as the school’s principal of record, said she was hopeful that an interim principal for P.S. 165 would be announced within a few weeks.
But the search for a full-time principal is underway. Representatives from both the United Federation of Teachers and the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, as well as at least one parent, will be present on the initial hiring team. Friedman will make the final decision, in addition to a review at the central office.
She added that, although the process could take a few months, it could take even longer if she decides there is a “lack of quality” in the current applicant pool and reopens the pool to new applicants. She added that Gallini’s time of notice was unusually short—usually, for a change in principal, there is several months’ notice provided.
“I think that a change in leadership … you can’t help but notice it,” Friedman said. “Parents are watchful to see the transition.”
But she said that the district was trying to make the change as seamless as possible by keeping parents informed, adding that the teachers, who remained consistent, have far more impact on students’ experience than principals.
“We try to keep them in the loop,” Friedman said. “Teachers have a consistent, safe, and predictable environment that they offer to the children ... and I believe that they are absolutely doing so.”
Lissette Senquiz, a fourth-grade parent, agreed that the teachers and parents have continued to work hard.
“I see the school is running the same way as it’s always been,” she said. “The parents are always behind the students.”
But Senquiz acknowledged that there have been changes, at least for her daughter, who was used to seeing Gallini greeting students and parents outside every day.
“She said she misses his presence,” Senquiz said.
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