Mr. André Poprilo featured in Newsday and Herald

Excerpt from article:

Long before André Poprilo took over as principal of Baldwin High School, his mother sat her self-described hyperactive 10-year-old son down at a piano. 

He hated it. 

But within a few years, Poprilo began to see the instrument differently. Music became part of his identity, eventually taking him to LaGuardia High School, the performing arts school in Manhattan, and the Crane School of Music, in Potsdam— and launching a career in education that, 29 years later, has brought him to the principal’s office. 

“I started around 10 years old, and I think it was about 12 years old, maybe 13, that I felt like it was interesting to me,” Poprilo said. 

“Music, in a weird way, is part of the architecture of my thinking,” he added, “and it helps me to be a better leader.” 

After more than a decade in the Baldwin school district, most recently as its director of fine and performing arts, Poprilo, 51, became principal on July 1.  

He had not originally envisioned a career in administration. After studying music, he began his professional life giving private lessons, and discovered that teaching was fulfilling in a way he had not expected. At the time, he thought he would make it his career, but mentor Gregory Ilaw encouraged Poprilo to consider a different path. 

“He told me I was capable of more and it gave me a push,” Poprilo said. 

With encouragement from Ilaw and other mentors, Poprilo began taking additional classes, and eventually landed his first administrative position, as the district coordinator of fine arts, performing arts and foreign language in the Wappingers Central School District in East Fishkill. What started as an unexpected career turn became his professional identity for the next two decades. 

He came to Baldwin after searching for a district that aligned with his desire to work with diverse communities, and that valued the arts and a holistic educational experience. Baldwin was among the handful of districts that most interested him, he said.  

“Getting to know the incredible talent of the students,” he said, asked why he wanted to become principal. “How hard they work, getting to know the aspirational desires of parents and how much they support their children and the schools.” 

“I believe in the mission,” he added. “I believe in the work of the superintendent. It just seemed like something I should do.”  

Read full interview in Baldwin Herald >>

Newsday Article Featuring André H. Poprilo's Appointment

Excerpt:

BALDWIN

New principal

André H. Poprilo is the new principal of Baldwin High School. He replaced Neil Testa, who is now executive director of human resources for the Locust Valley Central School District.

Poprilo served the past 11 years as the director of fine and performing arts for the Baldwin Union Free School District. He has also served as assistant principal and coordinator of fine and technical arts for the Copiague school district.

"I look forward to building on our strong tradition of excellence by ensuring every student feels connected, challenged and supported while expanding opportunities that prepare them to be ‘future ready,’ " Poprilo said in a statement.

Read full story in Newsday >>