District news
New principals start at Jackson Main Elementary and Rhodes Academy
What happened
Two elementary schools have new principals for 2026-27. Stacey Lagnese, formerly assistant principal at Jackson, is principal at Jackson Main Elementary School (replacing R. Brown, who left to become an assistant superintendent). Michael McDermott is principal at Rhodes Academy, replacing Sheena Burke, who retired June 30, 2026. The August 19 minutes show the board approved the appointment list in a consent vote.
Why it matters to families
A principal sets the tone and daily rules of a school. Changes at two schools at once can affect staff, routines and families.
The evidence
The Aug 19, 2026 minutes list both appointments with their pay and effective dates; April 2026 agendas record the retirement.
The source
Aug 19, 2026 work study meeting minutesSee the full record for Hempstead Union Free School District.
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