After a lot of controversy, some Queens students get a welcome change in leadership. NY1's Shannan Ferry sat down with the new principal of a prestigious high school.
Brian Condon is settling in to his new job. But it's not just any gig, he's now the principal at Townsend Harris High School.
It's a position that has been the pinnacle of a heated debate since last year.
"I'm humbled, honored, and appreciative that I was trusted with this you know, great responsibility," said Condon.
The new hire comes after months of protests demanding the city fire the former interim acting principal Rosemarie Jahoda.
Jahoda was initially hired in September 2016, and protestors alleged she was hostile towards both students and faculty.
She could not be reached for comment, but members of the student-run newspaper 'The Classic' covered the controversy from start to finish.
"The community says to us that they feel as if a burden has been lifted off their shoulders," said co-editor in chief Sumaita Hasan.
Condon officially stepped into the role on May 1. He recently served as the principal of the School for Tourism and Hospitality in the Bronx. He said he wants to focus on the future, not the past.
"If you're a good fit and you can push the school forward, then you should be there, if not, that's okay too, there's a school kind of for everybody," said Condon.
Condon said he loves to spend time in the school hallways, where he gets to check in with students and faculty.
"I'm happy to see them each day, and I want them to know that," he said.
Condon said in the future he'd like to add more college prep programs. For now, he's enjoying getting to know the students. He's working to attend a sporting event for each team at least once.
"I'm also trying to attend every club, at least once where, I can see kids in another setting," said Condon.
So far, students at this prestigious school said Condon’s leadership has been a welcome change.