Tuckahoe Names Former Rye School Administrator Principal of the Middle School

In a letter to parents and staff, Tuckahoe School Superintendent Barbara Nuzzi Monday announced that Ellen McDonnell, a former administrator in the Rye school system, has been named the new principal of the middle school, pending board approval in May.

McDonnell, who is slated to begin July 1, will replace Dr. Timothy Mundell, who is resigning effective June 30. 

Here is the full text of Nuzzi's announcement about the hiring:

At the May 12, 2014 Board of Education meeting, it is expected that the Board will approve the hiring of Ellen McDonnell as our new Middle School Principal, effective July 1, 2014. Mrs. McDonnell will be replacing Dr. Timothy Mundell, who will be resigning as of June 30.

For the past five years, Mrs. McDonnell has served in three different administrative capacities at the Rye City School District where she was tenured in Administration and Mathematics: Assistant Principal at Rye High School, Assistant Principal at Rye Middle School and Mathematics Department Coordinator, Grades 6-12.

Prior to her tenure at Rye, Mrs. McDonnell served as a tenured Mathematics Instructor at John Jay High School in the Katonah- Lewisboro School District where she also worked as the Assistant Administrator of Curriculum and Supervision in Mathematics and Science. Her resume also includes three years as a Mathematics Specialist, Writer and Editor for various state contractors such as the

“Official Guide for GMAT Review.” Additionally, Mrs. McDonnell served in the capacities of Assessment Specialist and Professional Development Consultant for Questar Assessments, Inc. and Southern Westchester BOCES, respectively.

Mrs. McDonnell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Music and a Master of Arts in Teaching, both from Cornell University. She has earned a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the College of New Rochelle and expects to complete the requirements for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Manhattanville College in 2015. She holds New York State permanent certifications in Music Education, Mathematics, Grades 7-12 and Administration.

Tuckahoe Union Free School District received over 150 applications for the vacancy of Middle School Principal. An interview committee, comprised of parents, teachers, administrators and support personnel, met with twelve candidates from this pool. The Superintendent of Schools then interviewed four of these candidates and selected two finalists to be further interviewed by the Board of Education. Mrs. McDonnell clearly stood out as the top choice as someone who will be able to translate our new mission/vision of “Prepare Every Student for Excellence.”

An extensive reference check was completed for Mrs. McDonnell. Her present Superintendent stated, “She’s A+ and has done a terrific job in Rye. She has gained everyone’s respect.” The Middle School Principal stated, “I am so sad to see her go, she is a treasure, she is a true leader, a hard worker, very intelligent, she has an outstanding background in curriculum, instruction, data analysis and technology." The Teachers’ Union President commented, "We love Ellen. Everyone sings her praises. She is the ‘go to’ person for whatever you need."

I hope you will join me at our Board of Education meeting on May 12 at 7:30 PM in welcoming Mrs. McDonnell to Tuckahoe.

Respectfully,
Dr. Barbara Nuzzi Superintendent of Schools