New Roosevelt Intermediate School Principal Appointed

WESTFIELD, NJ — Mary Asfendis was unanimously appointed as Roosevelt Intermediate School's new principal by the effective the Westfield Board of Education on Tuesday night.

Effective July 1, Asfendis will fill the position held by Stewart Carey, who is retiring from the Westfield Public Schools after 48 years of service, most recently as RIS principal since 2004.

Asfendis is already familiar with the Westfield School system as she has served in the district for many years.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to contribute to the tradition of excellence of Westfield Public Schools," Asfendis said. "I look forward to working with the students, staff and families of Roosevelt Intermediate School to create a welcoming community focused on student learning and celebrating the successes of all students.”

Her career in the Westfield Public Schools began as a middle school Spanish teacher in 1999, a position she held until 2004.

Then from 2004 to 2012, Asfendis served as the supervisor of world languages in the Bernards Township School District.

She then returned to Westfield in 2012 where she continues to serve as assistant principal of Edison Intermediate School in Westfield.

Entering the teaching profession in 1998, Asfendis also has shared her knowledge as an educational consultant on the effective use of educational technology.

Earning a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Rutgers University, Asfendis also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching Spanish from Rutgers and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Education from Messiah College, Pennsylvania.

“Mrs. Asfendis not only brings 13 years of educational leadership to the role of principal at Roosevelt, she also has demonstrated her keen understanding of intermediate school students,” stated Superintendent of Schools Margaret Dolan. “I know that she, along with the very capable team at Roosevelt, will serve the more than 750 students there with enthusiasm, encouragement, and vision."

(Photo provided: Mary Asfendis, newly appointed Principal of Roosevelt Intermediate School in Westfield, is congratulated by Board of Education President (at left), Gretchan Ohlig, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Margaret Dolan.)

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