A former "Connecticut High School Principal of the Year" will become the new interim principal at Mamaroneck High School, effective Tuesday.

The decision came at Monday's board meeting where Superintendent Robert Shaps announced John Goetz, also an experienced superintendent, would take on the role. 

This isn't the first time Goetz has been hired in an interim capacity by a district looking for the right leader.

He was interim principal last year at Stamford High School, hired after a search there stalled on a background check. He came to that position from an interim post as superintendent in Monroe, Conn. and then before that, served as Brookfield superintendent and as a principal in Danbury and Meriden.

He brings a total of 41 years of experience, the district said.

"We're thrilled to bring on board a very experienced principal of two successful school systems and eager to welcome John to Mamaroneck Schools," Shaps said, following the meeting where Goetz was approved by the seven-member board. 

"We believe John's collaborative and motivating style of leadership will create an atmosphere for growth at MHS and lay the groundwork for our next principal."  

Goetz replaces Mark Orfinger, who announced his retirement in the spring.

Among parents and students, expectations are high.

Shopping on Palmer Avenue, parent Bruce Werner said he thought the interim principal should work on social issues such as drug prevention and anti-drug education.

Because drug and alcohol use among teens is part of the culture of the suburbs, schools have to assume responsibility."The abundance of drugs and alcohol is a real concern," he said. "It interferes with students' progress. I don't think enough is being done."

An interim principal could undertake such a project without fear of politics, Werner said. "One year is enough."

Rebecca Alliger and Kristen Barone were sitting on the high school's back steps, across from Walter's. They said the chief challenges for any principal are being visible and getting to know the kids.

"I think the last principal didn't know our names, and it's our third year at the school now," Barone said, "and we didn't know much about Dr. O."

On a practical note, they recommended that the interim principal tackle traffic control on the overpass between classes, when everyone's in a rush.

"It's always overcrowded," Alliger said.  

The decision to go with an interim came after it was clear no perfect candidate had emerged in Mamaroneck. A new search to fill the position on a permanent basis will begin in November, the district said.  

Goetz says his mantra is to be caring and supportive, yet demanding and focused on increasing standards. 

"I think the key is to foster an environment in which kids, staff and parents feel comfortable....letting them know we're all in this together," Goetz said in a statement. "We want the high school to be the center of these kids' lives during the time they are here. The best way to be successful is to be involved, and there's a lot to be involved with here. I believe there's a 'hook' for every kid." 

According to the district's biography of Goetz, he began his career as a social studies teacher and also spent time in the classroom as a special education teacher.  He did his doctoral work at Fordham University and received his Certificate of Advanced Study degree in Educational Administration from Fairfield University. 

He has four grown daughters, three granddaughters and another grandchild on the way.

Additionally, the superintendent welcomed Katie Andersen, who began her new role as assistant principal at Chatsworth Avenue School.

Chatsworth Avenue School Principal Gail Boyle praised Andersen in her new role:

"She has jumped right into the work at Chatsworth. Her office reflects her interests, her focus on children and her breadth of knowledge related to teaching and learning. Katie also joined the district administrative team in planning meetings for the upcoming year. I am thrilled to be working with Katie and look forward to a wonderful year."