OHS Principal To Retire

OSSINING, NY — Ossining schools Superintendent Ray Sanchez's "search" for high school Principal Josh Mandel was the plot for this hilarious back-to-school video at the end of August. He won't be able to look for him next year.

Mandel, who has been a principal in the Ossining school system for 22 years, will retire at the end of the 2016-17 school year.

His tenure spanned the years when the high school, always strong academically for middle-class white children of college-educated parents, took what was then a radical step and targeted academics for black and Hispanic students, whose graduation rates were half that of their white peers.

The results have caught national attention, as OHS routinely sends graduates to Harvard and other top universities; produces winners in national and international science competitions — for example, Ossining had more Intel semifinalists than any other high school in New York in 2016 — and shrank its graduation and college-bound gap.

Here's a sampling of the press he's gotten over the years:

• Once racially troubled, a district shrinks the achievement gap
• Ossining High School Principal Receives PNW BOCES Hall of Honor
• Ossining High School Principal Receives Administrator of the Year

Sanchez sent parents this letter Monday:

It is with mixed emotion that I write to you to share that our High School Principal Joshua Mandel will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 school year. There is much to be said about Josh and the extraordinary work that he has accomplished over the years in Ossining.

Mr. Mandel has been with the Ossining School District since 1994 where he started as Principal at Roosevelt School. In 1996 he served as Principal at Brookside School and in 1998 started as Principal at OHS where he has served since. Josh has been a leader, friend and mentor to us all. I know I personally have learned a great deal from him. Josh leads our High School with almost 1,500 students each day with a calm and pleasant demeanor. Throughout the years our students have viewed him as approachable, caring, and supportive and I know our staff can agree to the same.

Josh has truly put OHS on the map over the years. He has initiated many innovative programs and courses. Additionally, our students, staff, and District have received numerous awards under his leadership. Below please find a brief overview of some highlights from OHS throughout his tenure.

• GLSEN Leadership Award in May 2011 and Josh Mandel Day in Ossining on May 13, 2011
• 2012 Intel Star Innovator Award
• 2014 Middle States Association recognized Ossining High School for Programs of Distinction in music, school counseling and world languages
• June 2015 ESSAA Administrator of the Year
• 2016 Schools of Opportunity Award
• Best Community for Music Education Award
• Girls Basketball- State Champions

Again, these are just a few brief accomplishments. It seems that not a week goes by without us sharing good news from OHS. Although we will miss seeing our friend Josh on his daily rounds in the hallways of OHS, we wish him all the best on this next chapter of his life. He is leaving a legacy in Ossining of true leadership and compassion for all that will be felt throughout the community for generations to come. Please join me in congratulating Josh on his upcoming retirement.

Sincerely yours,

Raymond Sanchez

Patch File Photo