At the beginning of the 1998-1999 school year, Gail Weinstein was appointed acting principal of Stratford Road Elementary School. In the months to come, the district conducted a thorough search for a permanent principal, both internally and externally. In the end, Superintendent Dr. Anthony Cavanna concluded, "The board and administration agreed that Gail was unequivocally the best candidate for the job. Not only is she an exceptional administrator who truly loves education, she has an excellent rapport with this community." The announcement of Mrs. Weinstein's official appointment as principal was made at the March 22 Board of Education meeting, with an effective date of March 8.

Board President Alicia Kabak noted, "We were pleased to choose someone with a proven track record in this district. The board selected Mrs. Weinstein based on her fine work and proven capability, and we are both proud and fortunate to appoint her as Stratford Road's principal."

At the meeting, where a reception was held to congratulate Mrs. Weinstein and two new administrators, she expressed her appreciation to the superintendent for the confidence he has placed in her. She says that his encouragement allowed her to maintain confidence in herself this past year, a time when she was transitioning from secondary to primary education. In addition, she thanked the Board of Education for "this wonderful opportunity."

"I would also like to express my most profound gratitude to the Plainview-Old Bethpage Congress of Teachers, the PTA, and the staff of Stratford Road for their sensational support," Weinstein stated. She noted how impressed she is by the staff's dedication to the students of Stratford Road. Mrs. Weinstein also recognized her husband, Bob, and youngest son, Danny, who were on hand Monday night to congratulate her.

Approaching her 10th anniversary with Plainview-Old Bethpage, Mrs. Weinstein joined the district in 1990 as a social studies chair. In 1992, she became assistant principal at Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School. She earned her bachelor's degree at Brooklyn College, and attended Queens College for her masters and professional certifications.