Bell Top Principal Michael Neumann
Howard L. Goff Middle School Assistant Principal Michael Neumann was appointed as the new principal of Bell Top Elementary School and has been serving in this role since July 1st.
Mr. Neumann served as assistant principal at Howard L. Goff for the past nine years and was previously a math teacher at Doyle Middle School in Troy before joining the East Greenbush CSD. He is also a 2001 Columbia High School graduate.
Last week, we sat down with Mr. Neumann to discuss his new role and responsibilities.
Q. How is the job going so far?
A. It’s going great. I was very fortunate that during the spring and winter months Mr. Mahar invited me to attend the Bell Ringer ceremony and faculty meetings so I was able to come over and meet the kids and the staff. This allowed for a smooth transition from Goff to Bell Top. Mr. Mahar and everyone at Bell Top has been so accommodating and helpful. The parents and teachers have been welcoming, and I am excited for the new year.
Q. What are some of your duties as principal?
A. My first responsibility is the kids’ safety. I want to see students come in happy and leave happier. My job is to support learning and what goes on here. I am here to facilitate and ensure that we are engaging our students, providing them with a great experience, and keeping our community happy. I want to continue the tradition of excellence at Bell Top.
Q. Why did you want this position?
A. This was my dream job. The more I worked with younger students, the more I felt this was the right path for me. I worked my way here, and this was the job that I wanted. Bell Top is a true community school. Everyone who has come here thinks fondly of this place. The close-knit community of this school is incredible and I’m happy to be a part of it.
Q. How has your role as assistant principal helped you prepare for this new role as principal?
A. I was very fortunate over at Goff that my abilities went beyond just being the assistant principal and handling discipline. I was able to lead a lot of initiatives, so everything I did there allowed me to be in a leadership role. I have a lot of experience leading so I was able to take that experience and move it to Bell Top.
Q. What are you most looking forward to this school year?
A. Right now, I am looking forward to bringing the kids back and making sure I have everything ready for the new year. I’m looking forward to meeting the students and supporting our teachers. I’m extremely excited to be here and I couldn’t be happier.
Bell Top families can meet Mr. Neumann in person at a “Playground with the Principal” event on Tuesday, August 27 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Bell Top playground. This event is sponsored by the Bell Top PTO.
