Michael Hansen has been named the new principal of East Islip Middle School, replacing the retiring Bill Brennen, effective July 1.

For the last year, Hansen served as the East Islip School District’s math and science director, and before that as an assistant principal at East Islip High School. Prior to coming to East Islip, he spent 22 years in the Connetquot School District as a science teacher and then as dean of students.

A Rocky Point resident, Hansen earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and master’s degree in education and administrative certification from Stony Brook University.

“I am very grateful and excited for the trust the community has given me in guiding our adolescent learners during this crucial time in their development,” Hansen said. “I have enjoyed my roles as assistant principal and director of math and science in the district and look forward to continuing to nurture the relationships I have built and establishing new ones as I begin as the building leader of this wonderful school. My goal is to create a safe and stimulating environment where students feel confident to be active participants in their education, feel comfortable taking risks in their learning and support their social-emotional needs. I look forward to working with the outstanding educators, staff, parents, and students in our East Islip Middle School family.”