The Garden City Public Schools has appointed James Curran as the interim principal of Locust School, effective as of Feb. 22. He will take on the responsibilities currently held by Dr. Jean Ricotta, who is leaving the district after 13 years to move out of state.
Since 2005, Curran, a Rockville Centre resident, has held numerous interim administrator roles in the district, including a six week long interim principal position at Locust in 2013. He also served at the district’s middle and high school levels and has provided consultant services for curriculum and staff development. Earlier in his career, Curran was principal at North Shore Middle School for more than two decades, prior to which he served as director of occupational studies in the North Shore Schools. He has many years of experience as an elementary and high school teacher as well.
Curran has participated in many national educators’ conferences and is a member of the Association of Supervisors and Curriculum Development. Locally Curran was actively involved in the Nassau County Middle Level Principals Association serving as president for three years. He holds a Master of Arts Degree from Hofstra University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. John’s University and a Professional Diploma from Queens College.
“I am pleased to announce that Mr. Curran will be returning to Locust,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha said. “He has come through for our district many times before and is already familiar with our programs and procedures. We are thankful to have him on our team and I am certain he will help us carry out a smooth transition.”
—Submitted by Garden City Public Schools
