Wantagh Elementary Appoints Former Assistant Principal, Teacher As New Principal

WANTAGH, NY — Briana James got something of a homecoming this week, as the Long Island native was appointed principal of Wantagh Elementary School.

For James, it’s a return to a district where she was previously a leave replacement teacher, an elementary school teacher and an assistant principal. For Wantagh, it’s a new day in the leadership corps.

James’ teaching career began in Boston, as part of the AmeriCorps program. She had gotten her bachelor’s degree in economics nearby at Holy Cross, and studied for her master’s of elementary education at Boston College.

After the AmeriCorps days, James came home to Long Island, joining Wantagh Elementary and Forest Lake Elementary as a leave replacement teacher. From there, district officials said, she taught elementary schoolers in the North Shore School District for over a decade, returning to Wantagh Elementary in 2019 to serve as assistant principal. She spent two years in that role before moving on to become principal of Maud S. Sherwood Elementary in Islip. After five years in that role, she once again returned to Wantagh, this time as principal.

“Ms. James’ return to Wantagh Elementary brings together her proven record as a visionary elementary principal and her enduring heart for the Wantagh community,” Superintendent John McNamara said. “Her collaborative leadership style, commitment to high academic standards and focus on nurturing the whole child make her the perfect fit to lead Wantagh Elementary School into its next bright chapter.”

A mother of two kids, aged 10 and 7, James said the job at Wantagh “called to her,” highlighting the district’s faculty and staff as groups with whom she’s especially excited to work.

As for what she plans to bring to the role, James said it’s her goal to teach the whole child.

“I pride myself on being an instructional leader, but I also strongly believe that children need time to be children,” James said. “It is our responsibility as educators to provide opportunities for all children to grow and learn, and I see it as my responsibility to lead in that effort. I am very excited to have this full circle moment in Wantagh and I pledge to work hard to create opportunities for children to succeed, for teachers to support their students and for parents to be involved.”

James described herself as a “boots on the ground” kind of leader, saying she enjoys working and having fun alongside students. That work alongside students will get underway Sept. 2, when the school year starts.