Gary Kalish was hired at Monday’s Greenport school board meeting. (Credit: Jen Nuzzo)
Pierson High School vice principal Gary Kalish has been hired to take over as Greenport School District’s secondary school principal.
The Greenport school board unanimously approved his appointment at Monday’s budget workshop. He is expected to start May 1.
Superintendent David Gamberg said Mr. Kalish has experience working with the International Baccalaureate program, which has been described as providing more research, writing and hands-on evaluations in classes and assessments compared to the Advance Placement program.
Mr. Gamberg, who’s the superintendent for Greenport and Southold schools, has said both districts are looking into establishing IB programs to enhance learning opportunities for students.
Mr. Kalish’s experience also includes working as a secondary teacher for New York City public schools, the superintendent added.
“He’s enthusiastic, bright and he has this desire to work collaboratively with teachers and students,” Mr. Gamberg said. “He really has that blend of leadership I think will be well suited for us in Greenport.”
Interim secondary principal Robert Feeney, who recently returned to his position after William Caulfield resigned for personal reasons, will mentor Mr. Kalish through the transition process, Mr. Gamberg said.
The district has been searching since last summer for candidate to replace former secondary school principal Leonard Skuggevik, who resigned after accepting a school superintendent position on Shelter Island.
Mr. Gamberg said while he’s excited about Mr. Kalish joining the district, he acknowledges the difficulty in having a new principal start in the spring.
“There’s a lot to be done at the high school level leading up to graduation,” Mr. Gamberg said. “We hope for a smooth transition.”