Pearl River School Board Appoints Alaimo as Next Principal at Franklin Avenue Elementary

Maureen Alaimo spent the first 25 years of her educational career teaching English in middle and high school.

Then she got a taste of working with younger students as an elementary-school curriculum director. 

"When I went to be the elementary curriculum director, I just felt the love," Alaimo said. "I don’t want to make it sound like it’s easier. So much is happening. Children are learning how to read. They are learinng how to socialize. They are learning how to be good friends. But I felt the joy."

Alaimo said she loved was particularly fond of her time as principal of an elementary school, Merritt Memorial in Cresskill, which was one reason she applied for the opening for a new principal at Franklin Avennue Elementary in Pearl River. Tuesday night at the Pearl River Board of Education meeting, assistant superintendent for personnel Dr. John Morgano announced Alaimo's appointment to the position.

"I live in Blauvelt, so I know Pearl River’s reputation,' Alaimo said. "It looks like a wonderful place. You can feel the vibe with the teachers here tonight. You can sense what a special community there is here. That's a place I want to be. I’m feeling the love. It’s a great feeling. I’m so thrilled. I feel like I won the lottery. Even in tough times, it’s still a great district.

Alaimo will take over Aug. 1, replacing Carla Silberstein, who announced her retirement after 10 years as Franklin Avenue's principal earlier this year.

“We very much look forward to having Maureen join our administrative team,” Morgano said. “Throughout our extensive interview process, we were impressed with her leadership, intelligence, and compassion. We are confident that she will be a welcome addition to the Pearl River family.”

Alaimo has worked as the director of K-12 curriculum and instruction for Cresskill Public Schools in Cresskill, NJ since 2008. From 2006-2008, she was the principal of the Merritt Memorial School in Cresskill.

"It was my favorite job ever," Alaimo said. "When you start working with little ones it's special. They are inspirational."

For three years before that, Alaimo was in charge of overseeing the elementary-school curriculum in the district.

"She did it all there. (Superintendent) Dr. (Frank) Auriemma and I had the opportunity to go to the Cresskill schools and meet with teachers, parents and administrators," Morgano said. "Frank and I have been doing this a long time, so we know when somebody is being sincere and they really spoke from the heart about how much they are going to miss Maureen and how much she contributed to the district."

Alaimo has a master of science in education with a concentration in English from Iona College and a certificate of advanced study as a school administrator and supervisor from SUNY-New Paltz. She got her bachelor's degree in English from Wagner College.

Editor's note: Updated with comments from Morgano and Alaimo.