Board approves Antonia Simeo as principal of Harrison Avenue School

The Harrison Central School District Board of Education voted to approve Antonia Simeo as the probationary elementary principal for Harrison Avenue School, with an effective start date of Aug. 1.

The board moved the personnel item out of order and approved the appointment on a voice vote during the May 7 regular business meeting. The motion and second were made as part of the personnel consent items; no roll-call vote against the appointment was recorded in the meeting transcript.

Superintendent (unnamed in the transcript) described a district search and committee process that produced a “highly qualified” candidate. The superintendent said members of the selection committee described Simeo as “extraordinary, ridiculously hardworking,” and noted her special-education colleagues were present and “excited and also angry,” reflecting the effect her move will have on other staffing areas.

Antonia Simeo confirmed the start date during the meeting, saying, “I’m just confirming it’s August 1.” The board then recessed briefly to congratulate Simeo before continuing other business.

The appointment was presented under the personnel report as item A3 (certificate of personnel). The district indicated SED clearance items appear elsewhere in the personnel consent listings but did not attach a separate roll-call vote to the principal appointment in the public minutes.

The action closes a multi‑stage principal search carried out by the district and places Simeo in a role that will directly manage families and building-level operations at Harrison Avenue beginning in the 2025–26 school year.

The board proceeded to routine business after the appointment.