Longtime Pelham Middle School Principal Announces Retirement

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Joseph Longobardi, principal of Pelham Middle School, announced his intent to retire, effective June 30, 2012.

Mr. Longobardi’s career in education spans 39 years, all occurring within the Pelham Schools.  After graduating from Marist College in 1973, he began as the first special education teacher in the district with an assignment teaching 4, 5 and 6th grade special education students at Hutchinson School.  

He served as acting principal at Hutchinson School during 1982-83 and was appointed principal of Colonial in 1983.  For several years, he was also principal at Siwanoy.  In 1992, he became principal at Pelham Middle School, a position he has since held.

During his 20 years at Pelham Middle School, he was a key player in building not only the current educational program for the young adolescent student but also in designing the new addition for this age group. It opened in 2005. Throughout his career in Pelham, he touched the lives of many families, teaching children whose children went on to become his students. He was principal of the Middle School when it received the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

In announcing his retirement, Mr. Longobardi said, “I feel extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to be part of this community for all of these years.  I have had the opportunity to play a role in the education of generations of children and to work with scores of outstanding teachers and staff who have dedicated their lives to our schools.  I will always be appreciative to the entire community of Pelham for the support and kindness they have extended to me and my family throughout the years.  Pelham will always have a special place in my heart!”

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Dennis Lauro said,  “It is difficult to express in words our appreciation of Mr. Longobardi.  He is an outstanding educator and a wonderful leader who shaped our vision of the middle school, its curriculum and program.  Generations of students have and will continue to benefit from his work.  We wish him and his family our very best.”