Shawn Baumann is set to be appointed as the new Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics for the Mount Pleasant Central School District at the Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, May 24, Superintendent Peter Giarrizzo announced on Wednesday, May 17.
Baumann, who is replacing Donna Pirro who announced her retirement in early Spring, will take on the position beginning on Saturday, July 1.
Giarrizzo said that he is confident Baumann is the right person for the job based on his interview responses during the hiring process.
"I believe that under Shawn’s leadership, our community and district programs will thrive through emphasis on a unified approach to athletics across Westlake," he wrote, adding, "Throughout the interview process, we were impressed by the way that he leverages student voice and engagement."
Specifically, Giarrizzo that Baumann talked at length about establishing "structured approaches" to practices and games, as well as focusing on the "developmentally appropriate skills and concepts" that students would need to master to maintain fitness and wellness.
Baumann will come from his current position as athletic director and physical education teacher at Maspeth High School in Queens.
Additionally, he has also served as a Health and Physical Education teacher and a Dean of Students in the New York City Department of Education.
Baumann called his hiring an "amazing opportunity."
"I truly look forward to working together to help continue the growth of our students, student-athletes, teachers, and coaches in the classroom, on the field, and as leaders of our community," he said, adding, "It will be my pleasure to help foster the progress and achievements as a district and community that we will accomplish together."
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