Port’s Vincent Smith School announced the appointment of John Baldi as the school’s new head, replacing Arlene Wishnew, who is retiring after 35 years. Baldi’s appointment is effective July 1.
Baldi was formerly the Director of Finance at the Kew-Forest School, a Pre K-12 independent school in Queens.
He served as both a senior administrator and a faculty member, having been involved in all aspects of education, administration and facilities management.
He has served on numerous school board committees, including the New York State Association of Independent Schools accreditation teams and as treasurer of a small, educational, not-for-profit organization. Baldi earned his B.A. in accounting from Queens College and is a published playwright.
He lives on Long Island with his wife, Theresa, a special education teacher for the NYC Department of Education and is the father of two children, Nicolas and Olivia.
Baldi “is a perfect Headmaster for the Vincent Smith School,” said Judah Samter, chairman of the school’s board. “His breadth of experience and depth of knowledge in education and administration is consistent with the vision and mission of the school. We look forward with excitement to his leadership.”
Vincent Smith School’s “tradition of excellence and its high regard for educating children with learning disabilities and inspiring their families motivates and inspires me to continue to broaden its current path of success,” said Baldi said. “I am honored to be a part of the school during this exciting time in their history.”
Vincent Smith School is a private day school for students with learning disabilities in grades four through 12. The school offers integrated programs of studies for boys and girls, using a multi-sensory approach to learning. For more information, visit the school’s website www.vincentsmithschool.org.
