New WHS Assistant Principal to be Appointed

Dear Wildcats,

I am pleased to announce that I will recommend to the Board of Education that Mr. Richard Sharpe be appointed as the new Assistant Principal of Westlake High School, effective July 1, 2025, at the Board of Education Meeting on March 19. Mr. Sharpe is replacing Daniel Brady who has been appointed as the next principal of Westlake High School after serving in the position of assistant principal for the past two years.

Mr. Sharpe has served as the Assistant Principal for Instructional and Operational Support at The Bronx School for Law, Government, and Justice since 2021. There, he is responsible for direct supervision of teachers in the ELA, Social Studies, ENL, and Physical Education departments. Prior to that, he served as a mathematics teacher at Woodlands High School before being asked to return to his current school where he had been a mathematics teacher and Dean of Students for seven years.

As both a teacher and administrator, Mr. Sharpe has a demonstrated track record of building relationships with students and amplifying their voices. I fully expect that this strength will enhance the educational experience of all members of the WHS community. Throughout the interview process he discussed the Portrait of a Learner with precision and in practical ways. His dedication to addressing the educational, emotional, and organizational requirements of each student deeply impressed committee members throughout the interview process, and his references validated that he had established strong credibility with students, families, and colleagues in his former roles.

"Richard will be an exceptional addition to our high school community," stated incoming Westlake Principal Dan Brady. "During the interview process, he distinguished himself as a top candidate through his student-focused, reflective, and meticulous responses. His responses regarding discipline were rooted in the Code of Conduct and how he would work with students to best understand the root issues of conflict. He is committed to educating the whole child through rigorous instruction and to the development of life-long learners and leaders through sound educational and social-emotional practices."

I am confident that Richard will be a strong fit among our leadership team and will compliment Dan Brady well at WHS. He possesses the intellect, demeanor and experiences to be successful in Mount Pleasant and I look forward to him joining the team. I anticipate that he will quickly build relationships and that his work will be impactful across the total school program. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Richard Sharpe to the Westlake family.

Mr. Sharpe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education from Boston University, a Masters of Education on Teaching and Learning from SUNY Empire State, and two advanced certificates in School Leadership from the Center for Integrated training and Education at the College of St. Rose.

With best regards,

Dr. Peter Giarrizzo
Superintendent of Schools