North Bellmore Welcomes Three New Administrators

The North Bellmore School District has named two new principals and a new administrator for the 2016-17 school year.

Leyna Malone has been named the new principal of the Martin Avenue Elementary School, former Martin Avenue School Principal Frances Bennett has been appointed the new assistant administrator for district administration, and Danica Brugge will serve as the interim assistant principal for the Saw Mill Road Elementary School for the 2016-17 school year.

Before coming to North Bellmore, Malone worked in the New York City School District. She was a classroom teacher, lead teacher and literacy coach at Stephen A. Halsey Junior High School in Rego Park, Queens. Prior to entering education, she worked in public relations.

Malone, a resident of Commack, holds a master’s degree in childhood education from Fordham University and a certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University.

In her new position, Bennett will be handling data analysis, including for state and local assessments to monitor student progress. She will also be working to update the district’s Response to Intervention and Special Education plans, and will be supporting the building principals.

Bennett has worked in North Bellmore for 27 years, having taught in the Saw Mill Road and John Dinkelmeyer elementary schools. She was principal of Saw Mill for 11 years, and spent the last three years at the helm of Martin Avenue School.

She holds a master’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in science from LIU Post, a master’s in computers in education from Stony Brook University and her administrative certificate from Post.

A resident of the district, her children attended Park Avenue Elementary School. “I’m really looking forward to expanding my role in terms of instruction and data analysis to support the teachers and the students of North Bellmore,” she said.

Brugge, of North Merrick, previously taught fifth and sixth grade in the district. Last year, she served as acting principal of Park Avenue Elementary School for five months. This year, she joins the district’s largest elementary school.

She holds both her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master’s degree in literacy from Hofstra University, and her school building leadership certificate from College of Saint Rose. She completed her administrative internship at Park Avenue with principal Eileen Speidel.

Lenya Malone, left, Frances Bennett and Danica Brugge will be starting their new roles next month. Photos courtesy North Bellmore Public Schools.