Nassau BOCES Preschools welcome new principal

Lisa Paolucci has been named the new principal of the Nassau BOCES Preschool at Barry Tech and Carman Road Preschool, effective September 1, 2026. She replaces Gina DaRocha who retired. Formerly the Principal at Nassau BOCES Iris Wilson High School, Ms. Paolucci is an experienced educational administrator with extensive expertise in districtwide leadership, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), school staffing and budgeting. She has a proven track record of developing inclusive programs, managing complex service delivery systems and partnering with community stakeholders to ensure equitable outcomes for students with disabilities.

“Early childhood is an exciting time marked by unlimited possibilities, discovery and potential,” Ms. Paolucci said of her educational philosophy. “It is the best time of life to harness joy, as children experience growth with each new milestone. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to learn and grow alongside our preschool community while helping our youngsters flourish.”

Ms. Paolucci relocated to Long Island in 2011, when she joined the Nassau BOCES Department of Special Education. She served as an assistant principal before becoming principal of Iris Wolfson High School. Prior to that, she served the Hyde Park Central School District in upstate New York as coordinator of special education and chairperson of the district Committee on Special Education.

Outside of her administrative duties, Ms. Paolucci has dedicated her time and efforts to the broader educational community. She has served as a member of several organizations, including the School Administrators Association of New York State, the Nassau County High School Principals Association, the Long Island Association of Special Education Administrators and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Ms. Paolucci holds bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology and special education from the State University of New York at New Paltz. She also earned a master's degree in educational administration and a Certificate of Advanced Study from The College of Saint Rose. In addition, she holds New York State certifications in special education; school district and school building leadership; and pre-K, kindergarten and elementary education (grades 1-6).