A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

In his new position, Schwarz will provide a practitioner's viewpoint within the department and be a contact for principals around the country.

Daly was the Brooklyn New York City school principal killed in 1992 by gun fire during a drug dispute at a housing complex, as he searched for one of his students who had been missing school.

"Paul brings to the department the practical field experience we need to ensure that we stay in touch' with what's going on in the schools," Riley said. "He will help to apprise us of the important issues facing our schools."

For the past seven years, Schwarz has been principal of the Jackie Robinson Complex and co director of Central Park East Secondary School. Central Park East is a public school of 450 students in grades 7 through 12 in East Harlem.

More than 90 percent of the student body is African American or Latino and more than half qualify for free or reduced price lunch.

Central Park East has a national reputation as a leader in innovative educational practice and statistics verify its success. Nearly 100 percent of families attend 45 minute family conferences twice a year, between 85 and 95 percent of its graduates are accepted into and attend college, and it has a low drop out rate of less than two percent every four years.

"The success of Central Park East school is a true reflection of Paul's effectiveness as an educator and a leader," Riley said. "I'm confident the department will benefit greatly from his expertise and insight."

Before becoming a high school principal, Schwarz was director of a K through 6 school in Brooklyn and first grade teacher at Public School 87M in New York City.

Schwarz also has been head teacher for pre-k, kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade classes, a high school social studies and Latin teacher, and a field representative for Head Start and Follow Through Programs. He also was a consultant and evaluator of Head Start Programs in the southeastern U.S. from 1968 to 1970.

He holds a master's degree in educational leadership from Bank Street College, a master's degree in education from Fordham University, and a bachelor of arts from Seaton Hall.

Schwarz begins his work at the department in August and will serve for two years.

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