Nyack Public Schools and the BOE welcome Dr. Crystal Chandler as the new principal for Nyack High School, effective July 1, 2026.
NYACK, NY — Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi, Superintendent of Schools, and the Nyack Public Schools (NPS) Board of Education are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Crystal Chandler as the next Principal of Nyack High School, effective July 1, 2026.
Dr. Chandler joins the NPS team with an impressive record of cultivating positive school culture, strengthening instructional leadership, advancing equitable outcomes for diverse student populations, and ensuring all students have access to the learning opportunities they need to thrive in school and become the best versions of themselves in life. Her belief that all students should be known, supported, and positioned for success is clearly aligned with the district’s mission and vision. Dr. Chandler steps into this key role upon the retirement of Ms. Nicole Saieva, who has served as principal of Nyack High School for the past seventeen years.
At the center of Dr. Chandler’s leadership is a belief that students thrive when they feel connected to their learning, to one another, and to the adults who support them. Her work is grounded in building relationships, fostering belonging, and creating school environments where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. The district is excited to welcome a new leader whose experience and values align with those of our leadership team. She will work to continue a bold legacy in Nyack High School.
Believing strongly in creating a school culture where students are prepared to succeed in an evolving educational landscape, Dr. Chandler has championed the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), strengthened restorative practices, used student performance data to guide decision-making, and prioritized collaboration with families and community partners. Most recently serving as Assistant Principal at Port Chester High School, Dr. Chandler led instructional improvement efforts through classroom observations, coaching, and professional learning. Prior to her work in Port Chester, Dr. Chandler served as Principal of Opportunity Charter Middle School and Assistant Principal of Opportunity Charter High School. She began her career as a Special Education teacher.
“I am particularly drawn to Nyack Public Schools’ commitment to equity and culturally responsive-sustaining education. My leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and shared responsibility, with a focus on building systems that support both student achievement and staff growth. I am ready and excited to learn more about this special community,” states Dr. Chandler.
With more than seventeen years in education, Dr. Chandler holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands and master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities from Touro College. She also holds New York State professional certifications as both a School Building Leader and School District Leader.
Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi believes that administrative transitions are critical opportunities to embrace the future: “I am confident that Dr. Chandler’s leadership will cultivate a growing sense of belonging in Nyack High School, advance student voice and academic excellence, and honor the RedHawk strength that defines Nyack Public Schools. We are simply thrilled to welcome Dr. Chandler to our school community. May we strive together to empower each other and every student in our care.”
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