The William Floyd School District has named three new assistant principals for the 2025-2026 academic year. The appointments include Paul Vassallo at William Floyd High School, Roanie Taveras at William Floyd Middle School, and Monika Garguilo at William Paca Middle School.
Paul Vassallo has spent over 12 years working in secondary education within the district. His roles have included technology education teacher, dean of students, attendance mentor, athletic coach, and volunteer. He played a key part in launching the Geometry in Construction course, which connects mathematics to real-world building projects. In 2020, the New York State School Boards Association recognized the district’s Board of Education with the “Champions of Change for Kids” award for this program. Vassallo also helped establish the William Floyd Girls’ Youth Lacrosse program as its first president. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Technology Education from SUNY Oswego and a Masters of Education in School Leadership from Touro University. He replaces Lisa Paschitti, who now oversees the GED program.
Roanie Taveras comes to William Floyd Middle School after working as a middle school social worker in the Patchogue-Medford School District. She was her previous district’s lead social worker and oversaw Raider Academy, an alternative high school program similar to William Floyd’s Floyd Academy. Her background includes experience as a medical social worker and an internship with Suffolk County Family Court. Taveras holds an Associate of Applied Science in Chemical Dependency from Suffolk County Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Stony Brook University, and a Master of Social Work from Stony Brook University. She is certified in several areas including School Building Leadership and Licensed Master Social Worker. The position was previously held by Sonia Montalvo, who accepted a new role with Bay Shore schools.
Monika Garguilo has worked at William Paca Middle School since 2015, starting as an English teacher and later serving as student council advisor, teacher ambassador, new teacher mentor, Dean of Students, and Teacher on Special Assignment. In these roles, she assisted with student discipline, attendance management, standardized testing, scheduling, safety drills, and event organization. Garguilo earned degrees from Dowling College and Molloy University and completed graduate courses at Stony Brook University. She holds New York State certifications in Childhood Education, Students with Disabilities, Literacy, and School Building Leadership. She succeeds Jennifer Engmann, who retired last year.
“Congratulations to the new assistant principals and best wishes in your new roles!” stated the district.