The City School District of New Rochelle (CSDNR) Board of Education has appointed Kathryn “Katie” Castellano as the new principal of Daniel Webster Elementary School. The appointment was made at the Board’s July 28 meeting. Castellano will take the helm at the nearly 500-student Glenmore Drive school for the start of the 2026-2027 school year. She succeeds Melissa Passarelli, who retired in June.
Castellano has an extensive background in elementary education, serving most recently as principal of Roosevelt School in the Ossining Union Free School District. She was previously an assistant principal at Ossining’s Claremont School, an English as a New Language (ENL) Coordinator at P.S. 105, District 11, in the Bronx, and served 17 years as an elementary educator in the New York City Department of Education.
Castellano also served a five-year term as a trustee of the City School District Board of Education.
“The collective choice to bring Katie back to New Rochelle as Principal of Webster Elementary is a huge win for our entire community,” said Dr. Corey W. Reynolds, Superintendent of Schools. “We have seen her passion for education firsthand as a Board member. She leads with heart, high expectations, and a relentless drive for student success. I know her leadership will inspire our Webster students to achieve incredible things.”
“New Rochelle is my home, and where I have trusted my own children’s education,” said Castellano. “Daniel Webster is a remarkable school, from its rich Arts and Humanities programs to its strong academic foundation. As principal, my priority is to make sure every child feels seen, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. I look forward to elevating student, teacher, and family voices as we build upon Webster’s future together.”
Castellano earned an Education Leadership and Teacher Leadership graduate degree from Bank Street College in Manhattan. She holds a Master’s Degree in Childhood Education from Pace University.