Spiridoula Sandy Manessis

Cahn Fellow 2019

Principal, New Visions Charter High School for Advanced Math and Science II

The Bronx, New York

Sandy Manessis is the Principal of New Visions Charter High School for Advanced Math and Science II (AMS II) in District 8 of the South Bronx, NY. Under her principalship, AMS II has maintained high graduation rates with an increased emphasis on college readiness. Since the first graduating class in 2016, college readiness rates and the number of Advanced Regents Diplomas acquired by students have doubled. During her time with AMS II, Sandy has consistently been recognized as a highly effective school leader because of her commitment to providing all students with access to a rigorous academic curriculum in addition to a wealth of post-secondary options so that they are able to navigate the global community after they graduate high school. Sandy began her career in education in 2004 at the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula as a high school math teacher and has worked as a teacher in high schools for both the New York City Department of Education and the New York State Association of Independent Schools. She started at AMS II in 2013 as the school’s Assistant Principal of the first graduating class and directly contributed to the school’s 97% graduation rate. She attributes her success as a leader to her diverse experiences in the various sectors of education.