Brookside School Principal Dennis Ventrello will head new elementary school
By: Bill Greenwood
MONROE The district has selected the first principal for a new elementary school being constructed on Applegarth Road.
Brookside School Principal Dennis Ventrello, who has been with the district 35 years, was approved for the position July 18 by the Board of Education. He will start his new assignment on Jan. 1, at which time he will assist in the new Brookside principal’s transition while also doing planning and organizational work for the new school, which is expected to open in September 2008.
"The new position is an exciting opportunity, and I’m looking forward to working with the students, the staff and the parents as we face the challenges ahead," Mr. Ventrello said Tuesday. "Certainly, opening a school is a real milestone for the Monroe community, and I’m humbled and appreciative that I was asked to be part of this new chapter."
Construction on the 80,275-square-foot elementary school began March 29, and it is expected to open as a K-6 school. It will eventually become a K-2 building after a proposed new high school in Thompson Park opens.
Voters approved a $26.8 million referendum for the elementary school in January 2006.
Superintendent Ralph Ferrie said the decision to transfer Mr. Ventrello to the new school was made because of his extensive experience with the district. He served as a teacher, a department chairperson, administrative assistant to the superintendent, director of the gifted program and director of the community education program before becoming the first principal of Brookside School when it opened 16 years ago.
"(Mr. Ventrello) brings a thorough knowledge in terms of Monroe," Dr. Ferrie said July 18. "He has an understanding of the community and the students and the parents."
The district soon will begin looking for a new principal to replace Mr. Ventrello at Brookside School, Dr. Ferrie said. After the position is advertised and candidates have submitted the proper paperwork and been screened, a committee made up of parents, district administrators and teachers will be set up to conduct interviews. After a short list of candidates is created, district officials will conduct out-of-district visits and talk to people who know the candidates’ work before scheduling a final interview with the Board of Education.
Dr. Ferrie said he is looking for someone with good interpersonal skills who can work well in the community and has high expectations for students. He also said candidates should be good communicators and have a good knowledge of current trends and research in education.
Mr. Ventrello said he will miss working with the staff, students and families at Brookside School when his transfer takes effect.
"Brookside is just an outstanding school, and it has an outstanding reputation in the community," he said. "My leaving Brookside does not detract from the fine reputation that it has."
However, he said he would be sure to stay in contact with those who remain there.
"I’m really just moving to the other side of town, so I’ll be in touch with the staff and the students and the parents at Brookside School," he said.

