COMMACK SCHOOLS

The Commack Board of Education appointed a pair of administrators during its meeting Thursday evening.

Lisa DeRienzo has been named as the new principal of Mandracchia Sawmill Intermediate School and will take over the leadership role following the retirement of current principal Michelle Tancredi Zott at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year.

“We are excited to announce the appointment of Lisa DeRienzo as the next principal of Mandracchia Sawmill Intermediate School,” Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Scott Oshrin said. “Ms. DeRienzo has served with distinction as curriculum associate for elementary education in Commack schools. She is a proven leader with the skills, experience, and commitment to hit the ground running as the new instructional leader of Mandracchia Sawmill. On behalf of the entire Commack community, I would like to thank Ms. Tancredi Zott for her years of dedicated service. We wish her good health and happiness as she transitions into retirement. Congratulations Ms. DeRienzo.”

DeRienzo is eager to step into her new position and build relationships within the building.

“I am extremely excited to join the Sawmill family,” DeRienzo said. “Family is everything to me and I know how lucky I am to serve this community. I am honored to take on this new role as Principal, and I am eager to bring my passion for education and literacy to the building. I believe that literacy is the foundation of all opportunities and I am committed to ensuring that every student at Sawmill receives an education rooted in excellence. I am so excited to get to know our brilliant students, dedicated teachers, and supportive families as we work together to continue to make Sawmill a magical place. As a child, I always loved going to school and I look forward to welcoming each student to school each day with a smile and an encouraging word. My door is always open, and I look forward to seeing you in the school and the community very soon.”

DeRienzo brings a wealth of educational experience to Sawmill. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia. DeRienzo also earned a Master of Science in Literacy from Hunter College and a Master of Administration from Touro College. She began her teaching career in Vancouver, Canada, before moving to New York City public schools. DeRienzo later worked as a classroom teacher, reading teacher, and staff developer in the Cold Spring Harbor and Jericho school districts. Before coming to Commack, she served as the coordinator of elementary English language arts in Half Hollow Hills.

For the past four and a half years, DeRienzo has served Commack as a curriculum associate. In this role, she supported elementary curriculum, reading services, libraries, the Challenge and Discovery program, and state assessments.

Outside of her professional life, DeRienzo is a proud wife and the mother of two high school children, Michael and Emma. DeRienzo can often be found cheering on her kids from the sidelines of various sports fields. Her family enjoys traveling and new adventures together, and they are avid hockey and lacrosse fans.

The Board of Education also appointed Dr. Erika Rappaport to the administrative role of Committee on Special Education (CSE) chairperson for the district. Rappaport currently serves as a psychologist at Commack Middle School and has been a member of the district staff since 2018.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Erika Rappaport to the administrative position of CSE chair in the district,” Oshrin said. “Dr. Rappaport has been a valued member of our staff for many years. We are thrilled for her to continue making a positive impact on students and families in her new role.  Please join me in congratulating Dr. Rappaport on this well-deserved appointment.”

“I am honored and excited to step into the role of CSE Chairperson and join the administrative team at Commack Schools,” Rappaport said. “I look forward to embarking on this next chapter of my career here at Commack and building upon our collaborative efforts. It is a privilege to continue supporting our students and their families!”

Rappaport currently serves as the District Lead School Psychologist. She holds a doctorate in School and Community Psychology from Hofstra University and is a Diplomate of the American Board of School Neuropsychologists. While based at CMS, she has chaired CSE meetings and worked closely with students, staff, and families throughout the district