The Manhasset Board of Education has approved the appointment of James A. Svendsen as the new assistant principal of Munsey Park School, effective Dec. 7.

Svendsen is a native of Brooklyn. He received his BA degree and MS degree in elementary education and his advanced certificate in administration and supervision from Brooklyn College.

Svendsen joins the district with nine years of educational experience as a teacher and as an administrator. He has taught fourth and fifth grades at the number one school in the Lawrence Public Schools for the past four years. He was appointed computer specialist for the school and was responsible for providing staff development opportunities for teachers. He also taught fifth grade at Public School 181 in Brooklyn for five years.

This past summer Svendsen served as principal of the Lawrence School District's Super Summer Program for pre-K through grade 5. His responsibilities in this position included hiring teachers and aides, scheduling classes, planning trips and supervising instruction.

While at Lawrence, Svendsen chaired the Master Schedule Committee and the Instructional Configurations Committee. He has been a member of numerous school-based committees, presented workshops in all academic disciplines, and served as advisor for elementary student groups.

Svendsen has a daughter Samantha, who is 8 years old and is in the third grade. He is involved in his home community through several organizations and coaches in an under-12 soccer team. Further, he serves as president of two soccer leagues. He also is chairman of the Community Advisory Board for the Bay Ridge Center for Older Adults. Svendsen actively participates in fund raising for both the soccer programs and the senior citizen center.

Svendsen commenting on his new appointment saying: "I am looking forward to beginning my new position with the children at Munsey Park School. My visits in the district have shown me that the Manhasset community cares very much for their students and for their students' education."