By Helen Klein
There were cheers and applause and standing ovations as four District 20 administrators were named to leadership positions in area schools. The appointments of Elizabeth Waters as principal of Public School 506, 330 59th Street; Danielle DiMango-Maringo, as principal of Intermediate School 30, 415 Ovington Avenue; Keefe Vallaro as assistant principal of Public School 200, 1940 Benson Avenue; and Pat Trani as assistant principal of Public School/Intermediate School 180, 5601 16th Avenue; were announced during the February meeting of the District 20 Community Education Council meeting, which was held at Public School/Intermediate School 104, 9115 Fifth Avenue. Effusive praise of all was the order of the day. Waters, “Has always managed to motivate and inspire all whom she encounters,” said UFT Chapter Chair Lauren Torres. “Her vision for the school resonates in every staff member.” Waters, for her part, told the crowd, “It is truly my honor to be principal of P.S. 506, a school where we achieve the impossible every day.” While change can be difficult, DiMango-Maringo, “Did her best to assure the teachers that our opinions and thoughts were valued, respected and sought after,” noted Adrian Lyss, the UFT chapter chair at I.S. 30. She constantly calls the staff in to discuss her ideas with them, Lyss said, adding, “She has lots of new ideas.” “It is truly an honor to serve as principal,” said DiMango-Maringo, when it was her turn to speak. “I am amazed at the work we do every day. The one thing we keep in mind at all times is the children.” Speaking of Vallaro, P.S. 200 Principal Sylvia LaCerra said that he, “Has become beloved and respected by colleagues, students and parents. He is loyal, intelligent, diligent and committed to fulfilling his professional responsibilities. Most of all, all you have to do is see the look on his face when he talks about his year-old son. Then you know, this is a man who cares about kids.” Vallaro, when he addressed the crowd, said that P.S. 200 was a, “School I’m proud to call home. The children are always excited about learning, the parents are very supportive, and the staff works with a common goal,” educating the children who attend P.S. 200. The last appointment to be announced was Trani’s. Noted Gary Williams, the principal of P.S./I.S. 180, Trani, “Commands the respect of all students. He demonstrates a love of education. In one week, the children in the school adored him. He diffuses all conflicts. He knows the name of every student. He knows every corner of the building.” His appointment as A.P., said Trani, “Is a dream come true. I am so honored,” he told his listeners. “to be part of this new family.”
