Farmingdale's Northside Elementary School Principal Resigns

FARMINGDALE, NY — Michael Febrarro, the principal of Northside Elementary School in Farmingdale, resigned on Tuesday, Superintendent Paul Defendini told parents Wednesday in a letter obtained by Patch.

Defendini made the announcement with a "heavy heart."

"Mr. Febrarro has been a member of our staff for nearly 10 years, and his leadership and care for his staff and students has been evident," Defendini said. "As you would expect, out of respect for his privacy, I cannot share with you the reasons for his departure. What I can say with confidence is that we all wish him well and will continue to support him and his family in all his future endeavors."

Chris Peterson, assistant principal at Northside Elementary School, has been at Northside for just as long. He will keep things "on track" in the coming weeks while the school district plans its next steps. Defendini said the district will ensure Peterson has the support he needs to keep Northside at the "level of service our community has come to expect."

"I would ask you all to join me in offering Mr. Febrarro and the Northside community our support by staying off social media and not contributing to the rumor mill," Defendini said. "Recent events have taught us all that staying together and providing our support is the best way to heal and move forward in any difficult moment. Stay safe, Dalers, and we will get through this once again together."