Middle Village Principal Next In Line For School District 24 Superintendent

An emotional school board meeting culminated last week with the recommendation of John Lavelle, principal of P.S. 128 in Middle Village as the new temporary head of School District 24.
The vote now places the life-long educator as the forerunner to succeed Joseph Quinn, superintendent of school district 24 for the last 10 years. Voted in by a 7to2 margin on Thursday, Lavelle was chosen over three other candidates, including two principals, and Quinn himself.
"It was such an emotional meeting," Lavelle told The Queens Courier. "The reaction I got from everyone was so gratifying."
Before taking the helm of the western Queens school district, which encompasses Elmhurst, Woodside, Corona, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Glendale, Maspeth, Long Island City, and parts of Flushing, Lavelle must first meet with School Chancellor Harold Levy. If he gets through the interview unscathed, which Lavelle expects to occur within the week, then Lavelle would become acting superintendent as of July 1. The summer months would then serve as a trial period, as the school board would most likely advertise for a permanent superintendent in September.
This would be the first test of the 1996 law which gives the school board power to officially hire a superintendent over to the chancellor. Stripped of most of their authority, the boards influence is now limited to selecting a list of up to four finalists.
The controversial 35,000-student school district, known for its growing immigrant population, contains some of the citys most overcrowded schools. However, despite the seat shortage, the most recent city and statewide reading tests reflected an upward trend for district 24. Forty-three percent of students in grades three through seven performed at or above the city and state standards, an improvement
of more than five percent from last year.
On top of Lavelles superintendency to-do list, is a re-evaluation of the districts summer school program, improving staff development, and a full review of summer budget programs.
Lavelles long history with the Board of Education dates back 28 years. A math teacher for 10 years and an assistant principal for another 5, Lavelle has served as principal of P.S. 128 for the last 13 years.
Last September, the school board voted 5to3 not to renew Quinns three-year contract. But, then Schools Chancellor Rudy Crew, nullified their vote, saying the board had not done a proper evaluation of Quinns performance. However, early this year the board once again voted to oust their long-time leader.
Lavelle said his candidacy for the position has caused no friction between himself and the outgoing superintendent. "When I told Mr. Quinn I was applying for the position, he told me it was fine," said Lavelle.
Reports indicate that Quinn will continue to pursue the position, although calls to his office went unreturned by press time.