April 16, 2020

Dear Lancer Families:

As Lake Park High School continues to adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the very real potential of not returning this school year, I am writing to announce an important administrative personnel change for the 2020-21 school year.  

This evening Lake Park Principal Dr. Dominic Manola was appointed Principal of East Leyden High School and will assume his duties effective July 1. This decision, which he describes as “absolutely bittersweet,” means he returns to where his teaching career began before joining Lake Park in 2014. In a message to staff, he acknowledged the opportunity as one “personally and professionally that I could not pass up.”

We wish him well in his future educational endeavors and now look future forward to Lake Park’s next steps. The Board of Education has been in regular communication about this important districtwide hire with Superintendent-elect Dr. Jeff Feucht, who will assume the helm on July 1 following my retirement.

On Friday, April 17, the vacancy will be posted to launch an external search for a new educational leader. During these unprecedented times, this critical role will need to be fulfilled by a candidate who can embrace change, unite a school community, and deliver an authentic vision that supports students, families and staff during transition.

Thank you for your active engagement in remote learning and supporting our Lancers during the uncertainty of this school year. Board members and the administrative team continue to carefully process the statewide school closure’s impact on prom, graduation, summer school, summer camps and more. Please know that we remain committed to announcing final decisions soon.

In This Together,

Lynn Panega, Ed.D.
Superintendent