James Karcz Appointed Principal At Waterloo High School

Waterloo High School has a new principal.

James Karcz, who was hired as an assistant principal in May of 2022, was appointed high school principal at the June 5 Board of Education meeting.  Karcz  had been serving as interim high school principal following the retirement of Mary Thomas-Madonna in April.

Karcz earned his undergraduate degree at Springfield College and holds advanced degrees from SUNY-Cortland and SUNY-Oswego. He began his career as an assistant basketball coach at the University of Charlotte, Pfeiffer University and Catawba College before taking a position in the Syracuse City School District, where he taught for 13 years.

In 2019, Karcz was hired as an assistant principal and athletic director in the Pulaski School District, where he worked for three years before coming to Waterloo.

Karcz is excited about the opportunity and took a few moments to share his thoughts on his new position:

Question: What do you like best about Waterloo?

Answer: “The staff and the students make all the difference. Our school community has dedicated members who are committed to the lifelong success of all our students.  I’ve been in the district for parts of two years and it has brought me privileged insights into the core beliefs and values that underlie the Waterloo Central School District. Mr. Corey and his staff also make the best Buffalo chicken school pizza around!”

Q: What are your top priorities as high school principal? 

A: “Safety, Respect and Character are my top priorities as the high school principal.  My goal is to provide a safe learning environment where each student leaves the district as the best, most capable version of themselves.  We build relationships, develop partnerships and find the right path of success for each and every student!”

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: “I am a husband and father of three children and two dogs.  My spare time is spent as a cab driver to every sports field, court and band venue in the Northeast.  I love every minute of it!”

Q: Is there anything else that you would like to share?

 A: “My door is always open and the students will always be the primary focus of our work here at Waterloo! We strive every day to build relationships and community connections.  We are all here to work together with parents and stakeholders to support our students and give them the best education experience possible. I would like to thank Superintendent Bavis and the Board of Education for this opportunity and am excited about sharing our collective success in the future!”