Herricks Superintendent Fino Celano welcomed Brian McConaghy, who will take over as the Herricks Middle School principal on July 1, during Thursday’s Board of Education meeting when the board approved the appointment.
“We are pleased to welcome Mr. McConaghy to Herricks and are excited to have someone with his level of experience in middle school education join our team,” Celano said. “Mr. McConaghy brings tremendous knowledge, passion and a student-centered commitment to excellence.”
McConaghy has worked in several Long Island school districts.
Currently, McConaghy is the assistant principal at Great Neck South Middle School, where he oversees approximately 800 students.
Previously, McConaghy was assistant principal and director of guidance at Bayport-Blue Point High School.
He also previously served as chairman for social studies in the East Williston school district, where he also spent early days of his career as a social studies teacher at the Wheatley School.
McConaghy is a candidate for a doctor of education, administration and supervision degree from St. John’s University.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Loyola University, a Master of Science in teaching secondary education from Iona College and an Advance Graduate Certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University.
McConaghy is also a member of the Nassau Suffolk Middle School Assistant Principals Association.
“To me, Herricks has always represented an educational environment where excellence is expected and educators work closely with students and parents to meet those high standards,” McConaghy said. “This is an atmosphere where I think I can make positive contributions through collaboration with experienced and successful educational leaders.”
McConaghy replaces Principal Joan Keegan, who is switching schools but not districts.
Keegan will become Herricks High School principal beginning July1.
