At its recent business meetings, the Carle Place Board of Education appointed Mr. Andrew W. Bennett as the Executive Director for Human Resources & Leadership Development and Mrs. Leigh Shaw as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Innovation.
Mr. Bennett joins Carle Place after previously serving as the Selden Middle School principal. He brings extensive experience in educational leadership and a strong commitment to student success. He has led initiatives to support, recruit and retain excellent faculty and staff, implement curriculum goals, and expand professional development opportunities. Mr. Bennett’s responsibilities have included creating master schedules, overseeing school safety plans and drills, supervising state and district assessments and collaborating with parents, the PTA, and community organizations to enhance learning and student well-being.
Prior to becoming principal, Mr. Bennett served as Selden Middle School’s assistant principal, where he oversaw student discipline, led investigations under the Dignity for All Students Act and facilitated Student Support Team meetings. He coordinated exams, directed safety planning, and supervised after-school programs and school events.
“I am excited to join the Carle Place School District and work with our students, families and staff,” said Mr. Bennett. “I look forward to continuing to grow a collaborative, supportive and inspiring environment for our students to thrive.”
Since 2021, Mrs. Shaw has served as principal of Hampton Street School in the Mineola Union Free School District, leading a staff of more than 80 and overseeing the education of approximately 400 pre-K through second grade students in an Apple Distinguished, Title I school. In this role, she has collaborated with district leaders, educators, families and students to develop and implement building- and district-wide programs, support special education and dual-language initiatives and design curriculum that integrates structured literacy, social-emotional learning, executive functioning and writing practices.
In addition to building leadership, Mrs. Shaw has served as a district instructional leader for PK–12, developing professional learning opportunities for staff on topics such as neuroscience of learning, growth mindset, neurodiversity and creative and critical thinking. She has formally observed and coached faculty, co-developed integrated K–7 curriculum aligned to state standards, facilitated professional learning communities and guided committees and departments across schools.
"I am honored to join the Carle Place School District as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Innovation,” said Mrs. Shaw. “What drew me here was the district’s genuine warmth, sense of pride and dedication to students—qualities that make Carle Place truly special. I look forward to partnering with our talented educators, committed families and exceptional students to uphold and advance Carle Place’s tradition of excellence.”
“We are excited to welcome Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Shaw to Carle Place,” said superintendent Dr. Ted Cannone. “Their leadership, experience and vision will strengthen our district with fresh perspectives and talents. I look forward to working with them as they help guide our students and staff to continued success.”
The district looks forward to Mr. Bennett’s and Mrs. Shaw’s leadership.
