The Valley Stream Central High School District has appointed Fabian Jara as Principal and Shelida Lee as Assistant Principal of Memorial Junior High School, effective July 1, 2026.
Mr. Jara brings more than 20 years of experience in education to his new role, having spent the entirety of his career in the Valley Stream Central High School District. Since 2021, he has served as Assistant Principal at Valley Stream North High School. His background includes managing student affairs, leading instructional improvements, overseeing safety protocols, and serving as the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Coordinator. Prior to becoming Assistant Principal, Mr. Jara served as Dean of Students at North and spent 16 years as a Spanish language teacher. He holds a Master of Science in Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from St. John’s University, as well as a Professional Diploma in Educational Administration and Supervision from LIU Post. He holds NYS certification as a School Building Leader and District Level Leader.
Ms. Lee joins Memorial’s administrative team after six years as a special educator at the school, where she has built strong relationships with students, families, and staff. She currently serves as an Administrative Intern at Memorial, a role in which she has helped organize orientation for incoming 7th graders, contributed to master schedule development, and led the school’s redesignation application for National Schools to Watch. Ms. Lee is known for her collaborative, student-centered leadership approach and her commitment to the restorative practices and culturally responsive-sustaining education paradigms, and teacher mentorship. She holds a Master of Science in Education and a Master of Arts in Sociology from St. John’s University, and is completing an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership at LIU Post.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Jara and Ms. Lee to their new leadership roles at Memorial Junior High School,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Wayne Loper. “Both have dedicated years to the students and families in the Valley Stream Central High School District, and have shown deep care and professionalism in their roles. We are confident that Memorial will remain in good hands under their watch.”
Fabian Jara.
Shelida Lee.