Chatsworth's New Principal Picked from Field of 100

by Joan R. Simon

(March 22, 2006) From a field of over 100 candidates, Long Island educator Steve Castar has been chosen as Chatsworth’s next principal (see: New Principal Appointed at Chatsworth).

He will replace Jane Hand when she retires at the end of June after 10 years as Chatsworth’s principal. Mr. Castar currently heads the 525-student Reinhard Early Childhood Center, which is a K-1-2 school in the Bellmore School District on Long Island. Previously, Mr. Castar was elementary principal for 10 years at the Friends Academy in Locust Valley, a private school with an elementary program from pre-K (3-year-olds) to 5th grade.

One of the reasons Mr. Castar cited for wanting to come to Chatsworth was his desire to get back to a K-5 school. He noted advantages of the K-1-2 model used in Bellmore because “it integrated the community, from a diversity, socio-economic point of view.” But he didn’t like that “you lose the K-5 atmosphere, with older kids that can be role models.” And he did like “seeing kids from kindergarten to 5th grade.” He added: “There’s a lot you can do for that child and a lot of satisfaction from that.”

The selection process for the new principal began in January when more than 100 candidates applied for the advertised position. This large group was culled down to 20, and from there to nine. Four candidates were interviewed by the full committee of 12, which consisted of administrators, teachers and parents. The two finalists were asked to come back and spend time at Chatsworth.

“It became very clear that Steve was the right fit for the building,” remarked Joan Clarke, co-president of the Chatsworth PTA and a member of the interview committee. “ He brings a wealth of experience to our school and will be a great addition to the Chatsworth family,” she added.

What does Mr. Castar see as his biggest challenge? “Going into any new environment, the biggest challenge for me is to learn the environment of the new school and learn what the challenges are. I need to be a good listener to figure out what the best direction for the school is.”

Mr. Castar is married with two children, ages 9 and 13, and lives in Port Washington on Long Island. He has taught first and second grade, as well as middle school math and science. He was also an assistant principal for seven years at the Fieldston-Ethical Culture elementary school in Manhattan.

Mr. Castar described “four rather thorough interviews,” and added: “They asked me a lot of questions about my philosophy of education, which other schools have not, and I liked that. I think there will be a real connection.” He explained: “I’m in this field because I love working with children and that’s where my passion is. When I’m trying to help a group make a decision, the question is always ‘what is best for the children?’”

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