The Mamaroneck Board of Education has announced that Matthew Samuelson has been selected as the next principal of Hommocks Middle School, effective July 1, 2025. The position had been held by Christopher Borsari who stepped in as interim principal in November 2023. Mr. Samuelson has been serving as principal of Garden City Middle School in Garden City, NY since July 2021.

An English educator by training, Mr. Samuelson brings a range of administrative experiences to the role including developing innovative implementation of curriculum, enhancing building culture, overseeing learning plans for students with special needs, and utilizing data to better support all students. He places great value on forging strong relationships with colleagues, students and their families, where students feel seen and heard in a safe environment focused on academic success.

“One of the most important and meaningful aspects of my job is being part of a community,” said Mr. Samuelson. “I see it as my responsibility to learn from others and that often means that I listen more than I speak.”

“I also believe that as necessary as it is for me to push my colleagues, I expect that they will do the same to me,” said Samuelson. This mindset will be a driving force in ensuring that the Mamaroneck vision becomes a reality at Hommocks Middle School. “When every member of the school community holds themselves and each other accountable to a shared vision, we will continue to cultivate an environment where all students can grow, engage, and succeed,” he added.

“I am thrilled to be working with Mr. Samuelson as he takes on this vital role with the Mamaroneck Schools and am confident that his background, including his years as a middle school principal and experience in Westchester County, brings the necessary experience to thrive as the leader at Hommocks,” said MUFSD Superintendent Dr. Charles Sampson. “He brings a proven track record of collaborating with faculty and staff to generate ideas and execute programs focused on academics and social and emotional well-being.”

In his role as Garden City Middle School Principal, Mr. Samuelson oversaw the coming together of students from different elementary schools and established structures and approaches to help students forge new relationships. “As students prepare to enter middle school, I believe it is important that they identify with the past and that we respect their traditions, but it is also imperative that we look ahead and prepare for a shared future,” said Mr. Samuelson.

Board of Education President Ariana Cohen says that Mr. Samuelson will be a tremendous asset to the entire Hommocks community. “It’s critical that the Hommocks’ principal demonstrate leadership traits that prioritize building connection and engagement, while also balancing being visionary and pragmatic,” said Ms. Cohen. “We are confident that Mr. Samuelson will deliver on these needs.”

A Westchester native, Mr. Samuelson grew up in Scarsdale and even taught ice skating at the Hommocks Rink. Prior to his principalship in Garden City, he spent five years as the assistant principal at Irvington High School and taught English at New Rochelle High School. Mr. Samuelson earned his Building Leadership certification from Stony Brook University, his Master’s in English Education from Brooklyn College, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Rochester.

Join in welcoming Mr. Samuelson to the Mamaroneck Union Free School District, where his experience and dedication will undoubtedly make a lasting impact.