At its meeting Wednesday night, the Bethlehem Central Board of Education is expected to appoint David Doemel, Jr., as principal of Eagle Elementary School, effective July 1. The appointment comes after an extensive search for an administrative leader to replace current Eagle principal Dianna Reagan, who has announced she will be retiring at the end of the school year.

Doemel has served as principal of Bethlehem Central High School for nine years, since 2017. He was first hired by the district as a hall principal in 2013. In 2016-17, Doemel served as interim principal at the middle school for one year before being appointed as BCHS principal.

Superintendent Jody Monroe said a search committee, which included representatives from the Board of Education, administrators, instructional leaders, support staff, and elementary parents, recommended Doemel after considering several candidates for the position.

“Since he arrived at BC, Dave Doemel has demonstrated outstanding leadership, always fostering a culture of mutual respect, collaboration and student success,” said Superintendent Monroe. “Mr. Doemel is widely known throughout the community as someone who has a positive rapport with students and colleagues alike. His ability to motivate students and build a supportive school community is second to none. I am confident he will bring the same positive energy to our youngest learners and their families at Eagle.”

Prior to his first appointment as a high school administrator in Bethlehem in 2013, Doemel worked as a school counselor in the East Greenbush Central School District and began his teaching career at Christian Brothers Academy, teaching English and Global Studies. He holds a master’s degree from Sage Graduate School and a bachelor’s from St. Bonaventure University and received his Educational Leadership Certificate from The College of Saint Rose.

Doemel and his wife, Stefanie, a teacher at Glenmont Elementary School, reside in Delmar with their two children.

“This is a full circle moment for me,” said Doemel. “I have held every role imaginable in schools, from school maintenance to being a teaching assistant in a culinary classroom, to classroom teacher, guidance counselor, to my administrative roles at the middle school and here at the high school. I am truly excited for this opportunity to work at the elementary level.”

Doemel will work closely with Principal Reagan and with district leadership to ensure a smooth transition at both schools.

“I have a long-established working relationship with Principal Reagan, and we will be working together to make the transition as seamless as possible for Eagle students, staff and families,” said Doemel.

Principal Doemel said his transition will begin with messaging to staff and students at the high school.

“Our high school students motivate me, and they are ultimately the reason why I sought this opportunity. So much of what I’ve learned about being a principal, I’ve learned from them,” said Doemel. “At the end of the day, I hope I’ve had the same positive impact on them.

“And as for my colleagues at the high school, they know where to find me – I will be just across the street,” said Doemel.

Superintendent Monroe said the search for a new high school principal will get underway this week.