Tona Selected as New Superintendent of Schools in Mahopac
News Article Article pages that do not meet specifications for other Trust Project Type of Work labels and also do not fit within the general news category.
By Rick Pezzullo
The Mahopac Board of Education announced last week it had found the replacement for retiring Superintendent of Schools Anthony DiCarlo.
Christine A. Tona, who currently works as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in the Riverhead Central School District, will succeed DiCarlo on July 1. DiCarlo revealed last October he was leaving the district he has led since 2018.
Tona, a graduate of Adelphi University who holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in reading, and a professional diploma in education administration from Dowling College, said she was attracted to Mahopac by its success, initiatives and commitment to meeting the needs of all students.
“From the moment I stepped into Mahopac, I felt the warmth and respect from the community and the shared desire to do what is right for students,” Tona said.
Prior to her work in Riverhead, Tona worked in the West Babylon Union Free School District for 16 years. At West Babylon, she served as executive director for curriculum and instruction for four years, was a building principal for 11 years at Forest Avenue Elementary and was coordinator of Mathematics, K-8, for a year. Before that, she was a classroom teacher for nine years.
During her nearly six-year tenure in Riverhead, Tona secured laptops for all students, provided professional development for teachers, promoted diversity, equity and inclusion, maintained partnerships with local organizations and launched the creation of a district strategic plan.
On the subject of diversity, equity and inclusion, Tona remarked, “DEI is not just about the color of skin or language spoken. It is about making sure that every student has access regardless of where they are on the educational spectrum or what challenges they may face in their education to be successful.”
In Riverhead, Tona said she partnered with the community, looked at data on educational outcomes and improved curriculum to meet all student needs over time. As she begins her tenure in Mahopac, Tona said she would focus the first year on getting out into the district, meeting students, parents and community members and listening to their hopes and priorities.
“I’m very excited to get to know the families and students of Mahopac as they move through the district,” she said.
Board of Education President Michael Mongon praised Tona for her leadership in Riverhead, saying, “Christine stepped into the Interim Superintendent role in Riverhead in the midst of the COVID crisis in July 2020 and never missed a beat. She led the district through the crisis, advanced programming and engaged the community throughout. We are thrilled to welcome her to Mahopac.”
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/
