Duzine Elementary School, one of the two elementary schools in the New Paltz Central School District, has a new principal and his name is Ross Hogan. A New Paltz resident, Hogan brings with him experience working as both a teacher and an assistant principal.
“One of the big things I am looking forward to is continuing the reputation NPCSD has in terms of academic excellence,” he said. “Parents are excited to enroll their kids in a school like Duzine. As a new principal, I want to meet the school community, parents, community members and get to know our students and staff.”
Hogan, 33, taught Social Studies in the Bronx for six years as a member of Teach for America. He then became a founding member of Metropolitan Soundview High School, also in the Bronx, where he rose to the position of assistant principal. He left Metropolitan Soundview several years later to take the same position at Temple Hill Academy in New Windsor.
Hogan’s background suits him well for his new role at Duzine.
“When I started at Temple Hill, which is a Kindergarten through Grade 8 school, I worked as an administrator with Kindergarten through Grade 2. I love that grade span because you get to see the maturation and development of the students,” Hogan said. “This is about building a culture of joy and a love of learning.”
Having been both a teacher and an administrator, Hogan enjoys the leadership aspect that comes with being a principal.
“As a teacher, when I was exploring a move to school administration, one of the things that appealed to me was having a broader impact,” he said. “On an administrative level you may see 400 students in any given day, so to effect change on that level is exciting. As a teacher, I remember how important it was to have the support of the administration in terms of allowing me to grow and do what is best for the kids.”
Hogan, a Hudson Valley native, lived for many years in New York City before he and his wife returned to the area, where they are raising a young son. Working in the district in which he lives excites Hogan.
“When I told people that I was accepting a position in New Paltz, many replied that I’d be known everywhere I went,” Hogan said. “For me, that is rewarding because of the sense of community here and the idea that this is about giving back. I love small towns where people know you, your kids and the way that you carry yourself.”
Hogan was recruited through an extensive search conducted by Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in educational leadership recruitment. He underwent a multi-step interview process, which included interviews with student representatives and parents from four groups: parents of general education students, parents of students of color, parents of students with disabilities, and parents of English as a New Language (ENL) students.
NPCSD Superintendent of Schools Maria Rice is pleased to have Hogan onboard.
“I think his experience, leadership style, and familiarity with our community will prove to be of great benefit to our wonderful students and staff at Duzine,” she said.
The public is invited to meet Principal Hogan in person on Monday, August 19, at 5:30 p.m. at Duzine Elementary School.
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