Islip has a familiar face in its new principal of Sherwood Elementary with the return of Chad Walerstein. The educator was with the district earlier in his career as an assistant principal at the middle school.

Prior to taking the position at Sherwood, replacing Maureen Martin, Walerstein served as an assistant principal at Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School. He began his career as an ELA teacher and literacy coach in the William Floyd School District.

Walerstein, a Setauket resident, earned his bachelor’s degree in English and master’s degree in elementary education at Long Island University’s Southampton College. His post-graduate certificate in educational administration was obtained at Stony Brook University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate at LIU Post.

“I am excited to return to Islip as principal at Sherwood,” said Walerstein. “Islip has always felt like a second home to me. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with the Sherwood family, and I am excited to see and work with old friends, meet new people and embrace the opportunities that lie before us. I will work tirelessly to ensure that Sherwood remains the amazing place it has always been while helping our students learn the skills necessary for success in the 21st century.”