Incoming New Rochelle HS Principal Turns Down Job Offer

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The incoming New Rochelle High School principal will not be taking over in the fall as previously planned. Adofo Muhammad announced Thursday he will be rescinding his intentions to become the new principal.

In a message to the community, Muhammad said that, "due to serious family matters which include the death of my grandmother and the compromised health of other loved ones, I will be unable to provide the time and dedication needed to make sure that New Rochelle High School becomes one of the premier high schools in the region."

He said he was grateful that the board of education offered him the opportunity to come back to his alma mater.

"My family roots in New Rochelle go back to the late 1800s and I wish the community the best as they move forward," Muhammad said.

Superintendent Dr. Laura Feijóo said she was disappointed to learn of the decision but supports it.

"If the current COVID-19 crisis has taught us anything, it is that each of us needs to hold dear and take care of those closest to us," she said.

Feijóo said the news obviously raises questions and adds anxieties for the high school community which has already been through so much.

She said the district is already working to determine the best option moving forward and will share updates as soon as is possible.

Muhammad had been scheduled to take over July 1, succeeding interim Principal Joseph Starvaggi, who is retiring.

He is currently principal of Brooklyn's Bedford Academy High School, where he's been for 13 years.

Prior to that Muhammad served as principal of Middle School 143, the School for the Performing Arts in Brooklyn for two years. He was previously assistant principal of David Ruggles Junior High School, also in Brooklyn, and a teacher and dean at Banneker Academy.

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