Irvington Selects David Cohen as HS Principal

The Irvington Board of Education has announced that David Cohen will be appointed as Irvington High School Principal on Tuesday, April 23, according to Robert Grados, Board President.

Cohen is currently the principal of Midwood High School in Brooklyn, a position he has held since 2006. The appointment will be effective July 1.

“In hiring Mr. Cohen, the Irvington School District is making a significant commitment to curriculum excellence in our High School,” said Grados.

“David brings 17 years of experience in the field of education, the last seven of which was leading a 4,000-student high school in Brooklyn with a vast array of impressive programs for students, including 18 Advanced Placement programs,” said the Board president. “It was clear to us that he is an outcomes-driven, determined leader who takes the success of his school personally.  We welcome David Cohen to our school district.”

Midwood High School is one of the top schools in the New York City Public School System.  The school has consistently been recognized by US News & World Report as a top high school in the nation and is typically known for its award winning science research program, which produced 15 finalists at the New York City Science and Engineering Fair (NYCSEF) this year. 

Midwood prides itself on preparing students for acceptance into the nation’s top colleges and this year the school boasts 14 students accepted into the MacCauly Honors College at CUNY.  Approximately 95% of its graduates go on to higher education each year.

“I am honored and excited to be making the leap from Midwood High School to Irvington High School," said Cohen. "It is incredible to have the opportunity to lead such a great school and I am eager to meet the students, parents and faculty and begin this exciting new chapter.”

Cohen has also served as an adjunct lecturer at Brooklyn College for six years and was a high school mathematics teacher and then assistant principal at Robert F. Kennedy Community High School in Queens, a school similar in size to Irvington High school.

Irvington Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kristopher Harrison stated, “David has a wealth of knowledge and an impressive skill set that will be a tremendous benefit to Irvington High School.  His experience as a teacher, staff developer, and leader will serve our school well as we strive to enhance programs and opportunities for every student.”

Cohen’s experience is grounded in curriculum as evidenced by his 10 years’ experience in staff development and oversight of such curricula as math, science and technology. He began his career in the private sector, but was inspired by Wendy Kopp’s “Teach for America” and became the CFO during its very early years. 

He has presented and published extensively. Cohen holds a master’s degree in Secondary Education in mathematics from Queens College, and certification in School Administration and Supervision from Touro College, as well as certification as School District Administrator and School Business Administrator. His undergraduate degree is in accounting from SUNY Albany.

Mr. Cohen looks forward to meeting the community, students and staff at a Meet and Greet event that will be announced in the near future.

Like Us On Facebook/ Follow Us On Twitter/ Sign Up For Our Newsletter