May 13, 2025
Dear GNPS Community,
Earlier this school year, the Board of Education and Administration made a commitment to our community that the district would fill building leadership vacancies before the start of the 2025–26 school year. I’m pleased to share that we have fulfilled this promise with the unanimous appointment of three outstanding individuals at last night’s Board of Education meeting.
Over the past several months, three separate search committees met with dozens of qualified applicants to find the best candidates for principal vacancies at North High and South High, as well as an upcoming assistant principal vacancy at North Middle. Our extensive interview process has yielded three exceptional individuals to carry forward our schools’ commitment to excellence.
The Board has appointed Corey McNamara as the next principal of John L. Miller-Great Neck North High School. Mr. McNamara comes to Great Neck from the Elwood School District, where he has served as a building administrator at the Blue Ribbon of Excellence award winning John H. Glenn High School since 2018—including four years as an assistant principal and most recently three years as building principal. Before arriving in Elwood, Mr. McNamara worked in the Valley Stream North Junior-Senior High School for 12 years as an interim assistant principal (2017–18), dean of students (2014–17), and health education teacher (2006–17). Mr. McNamara earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Long Island University C.W. Post, as well as a Master of Science in Health Education and a School Building and District Certification from Hofstra University. Mr. McNamara will officially join the district in July.
The next principal of William A. Shine-Great Neck South High School is a familiar face. Thomas DePaola, who served as an acting assistant principal at South from August through March of this school year—and who is currently serving as interim principal at North High—will return to the halls of South High as the principal in 2025–26. Mr. DePaola built a strong rapport with faculty and students alike during his time at South, and we look forward to his return to the building in July in a permanent capacity. Prior to his service in GNPS, Mr. DePaola served for 12 years as the principal of Carle Place Middle and High School. Mr. DePaola earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Siena College, a Master of Science in Teaching Biology from SUNY Binghamton, and a Master in Science in Educational Leadership and Administration from The College of St. Rose.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Adam Hopkins, who has served as interim principal at South High this school year. Mr. Hopkins has provided outstanding leadership during this transition period, and he will continue to be a positive presence in the South High community as he returns to his position as assistant principal.
Last but not least, the Board of Education has appointed an individual to fill the assistant principal vacancy at North Middle School following Nancy Gunning’s retirement this summer. After an extensive search, North Middle will welcome William Corrao to the leadership team in July. Mr. Corrao comes from the Three Village School District, where he served as an assistant principal at the middle school (2022–24) and high school (2024–present). While he will be new to North Middle, some members of the community may recognize Mr. Corrao from his five years as an English teacher at Great Neck North High School (2017–22). His prior teaching experience includes 13 years as an English Language Arts teacher at St. Anthony’s High School, and he has extensive coaching experience throughout his career. Mr. Corrao received his Bachelor of Arts in English from St. John’s University, and he earned his Master of Arts in Secondary Education and advanced certificates in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), School Building Leadership, School District Leadership from Adelphi University.
On behalf of the Board of Education, I extend my appreciation to all the parents, faculty and administrators who served on our three search committees. These individuals dedicated countless hours to reviewing applications, meeting with candidates, and discussing the qualifications that would best match the needs of our school community. Thank you for your time and commitment. Additionally, thank you to all those students and parents who participated in our ThoughtExchange to identify the traits and characteristics desired in our candidates for these prestigious positions. We are confident that we have found inspirational leaders who possess these highly regarded qualities. We look forward to creating introductory opportunities within each building as the start of the 2025–26 school year approaches.
We are officially entering the “home stretch” of the 2024–25 school year, with many exciting activities and events to celebrate the achievements of students and staff. I look forward to seeing our staff, families and students at celebratory events in the weeks to come!
Warm regards,
Kenneth R. Bossert, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools