LEYDEN — One of two finalists for principal of the Pearl Rhodes Elementary School, Lisa Mandaglio, says that should she become principal, she would emphasize the importance of goal setting and encourage students to take an active role in their learning.
Mandaglio, currently the special education director at Veritas Prep Charter School in Springfield, would replace Pearl Rhodes principal Christine Maguire, who accepted a position as special education administrator and will remain in the Pioneer Valley Regional School District.
Should she be hired, Mandaglio would start as principal July 1. The position, she says, sounds like her dream job.
“I loved the idea that the school was small. I joked in my interview that I was downsizing,” Mandaglio, 50, of Ashburnham, said. Pearl Rhodes has only about 30 students, compared to Veritas Prep’s 320.
“I said, ‘What an amazing experience to be in a school and get to intimately know all of the students and all of the parents,” she added. “I think that is just a dream come true.”
Mandaglio appreciates the family atmosphere of Pearl Rhodes, as well as the school’s beautiful setting.
Although Mandaglio says she would like to hear more from Pearl Rhodes’ teachers, parents and Pioneer Valley Regional School District Superintendent Ruth Miller about their goals for the school, she says that if she is chosen, she would like to emphasize the importance of goal setting to students.
“Students could have something called a data notebook to keep track of their goals,” she said.
She also sees students taking an active part in their learning. For example, students could have the opportunity to lead their parent-teacher conferences, giving them a chance to take pride in their work and show their parents their progress.
Originally from Jersey City, N.J., Mandaglio earned her bachelor’s degree in business at Rutgers University and her master’s degree in public administration at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Initially, she started a medical transcription business, and was able to work out of her home for 10 years while taking care of her two sons.
As a mother, Mandaglio said she was amazed by how her sons’ teachers could help children grow, and was inspired to return to college and start a career in education.
“I was always sorry I never started earlier,” she said looking back.
Mandaglio completed the teacher certification program at Georgian Court University, where she also assisted teaching pre-kindergarten classes up through fifth grade, in every subject.
“It allowed me to see a lot of different grade levels and different teaching techniques,” she said.
She went on to receive her principal certificate through NJ EXCEL, a program offered through the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, and her tutoring certificate through a 90-hour online course. Mandaglio also learned the proper technique to use when teaching English language learners.
Additionally, Mandaglio was president of the Parent-Teacher Association at her children’s school, which she says taught her to be very financially efficient.
“I’ve been on that side of the table as well,” she said. “It takes a long time and a lot of blood, sweat and tears to raise $30,000, so you appreciate the dollar … I’m very conscious about spending taxpayer money.”
Mandaglio and Deanna Leblanc are the two finalists. According to Superintendent Ruth Miller, the new principal should be chosen by Wednesday.