The Manhasset Board of Education has announced the appointment of William J. Start, currently the interim acting principal of the Bronx High School of Science, as principal of Manhasset High School. The board made the appointment at its Feb. 1 meeting.

Mr. Stark will officially begin his duties in Manhasset on March 1. He is replacing Mr. Michael Keany, who is retiring from Manhasset after serving the district for 34 years as teacher and administrator.

AS acting principal at Bronx High School of Science, a position he has held since August 2000, Mr. Start was instrumental in integrating technology into the entire school community, increasing the number of Advanced Placement courses with 23 classes, and in negotiating the feasibility of Bronx High School of Science becoming a laboratory school of Columbia University.

He initiated an innovative partnership with Columbia University whereby high school seniors attended freshman college classes, receiving credit at a nominal cost.

Bronx High School of Science, which serves 2700 gifted students, received the distinction of having 17 Intel semi-finalists named in the 2001 competition, the most number of semifinalists from any one high school in the country this year.

An educator with 32 years of experience, Mr. Stark commented on his appointment, saying "I am thrilled at the prospect of working in a community where all constituencies--parents, students, staff and central administration--are dedicated to providing quality education for kids. I am very excited about this and look forward to it."

Speaking on behalf of the Manhasset Board of Education, Barbara Donno, president, said, "the Board is very excited to have William Stark join our administrative team. As a distinguished educator and leader who comes to us from the Bronx High School of Science, his expertise and experience will lead Manhasset High School to new heights."

Dr. Lawrence Bozzomo, superintendent of schools, added "the Manhasset Central Office administration is pleased that Mr. Stark will be joining the district. His educational experience and accomplishments indicate that his leadership will continue the educational excellence for which Manhasset High School is known." Dr. Bozzomo expressed his thanks and appreciation to the interview committees, including staff, students, administrators and parents, for their involvement in the selection process.

Prior to being named acting principal, Mr. Stark served in assistant principal posts at Bronx High School of Science. From 1997-2000 he was assistant principal for administration, in which position he supervised building modernization projects, established a computer-based program for recording, evaluating and managing school based budgeting, assumed responsibili8ty for all board of education reports and surveys and supervised the daily operation of all facilities.

From 1989 to 1997 he was assistant principal for social studies. His responsibilities included managing and supervising instructional programs, enhancing school-wide standards by increasing the number of elective courses to meet the changing needs of the community, initiating new curriculum offerings and implementing a long-range staff development program.

From 1968 to 19989, Mr. Stark was a college mentor and instructor. IN this capacity he was responsible for college guidance and placement of more than 1200 students and redesigned the college application process. During his term as facilitator of social science research projects, a record 20 Bronx High School of Science students received semi-finalists recognition in the former Westinghouse (now Intel) National Science Talent Search. He supervised a summer school and administered PSAT/SAT preparation programs, which served more than 2000 students annually.

Mr. Stark received his bachelor of arts degree from Hunter College, his master's from Lehman College and professional diploma in educational administration from Columbia University Teachers College. He was the recipient of recognition awards for teaching and administrative skills from the University of Chicago, MIT and Williams College. He has also been cited for his ongoing commitment to fostering educational excellence and for his cooperative spirit.