New assistant principal at John S. Hobart Elementary School

The William Floyd School District recently appointed Thomas Virgona as the new assistant principal at John S. Hobart Elementary School. In this role, he will assist principal James Westcott in providing instructional and administrative leadership to nearly 800 students in kindergarten through fifth grade, as well as 70 faculty members and 66 professional staff members. He takes over for former assistant principal Dominic Ciliotta, who was promoted to the principalship of Tangier Smith Elementary School.

“Joining the William Floyd School District’s rich tradition of excellence in education will allow me to continue and develop my skills to impact the holistic learning needs of every student at John S. Hobart Elementary School,” said Virgona. “The leadership that has come before me paved the way for academic achievement and established a culture that is centered around our students. These attributes make me proud to say ‘Floyd Strong.’”

Virgona has served as a teacher in the New York City school system for the past seven years in Public School 004, out of the Bronx, with experience as a technology/STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) teacher, physical education teacher, instructional technology coordinator, technology coach, grant manager, data coordinator and dean of students.

Before becoming an educator, Virgona served in the United States Coast Guard Reserves. In 2015, he attended Marine Science Technician A-School in Yorktown, Va., and completed basic training in Cape May, N.J. He has received numerous honors and awards from the Coast Guard including multiple Armed Forces Service medals and Humanitarian Service medals, an Outstanding Volunteer Service ribbon, a National Defense Service medal and more. 

Virgona earned his B.A. in childhood education and M.A. in the education technology specialist program from Pace University. He earned his M.S. in the school building leadership program from Lehman College and his post-M.A. advanced certificate in school district leadership from Queens College. He is currently pursuing his doctorate at Long Island University.