Superintendent

For the past decade, Dr. Peter Giarrizzo has been leading schools as a Superintendent. He began his current position as Superintendent of Schools for the Mount Pleasant Central School District in July 2021, where he finds passion and joy in connecting with students and the Westlake community, with a focus on strengthening the total school program, especially teaching and learning. 

Dr. Giarrizzo’s career in education began in the classroom as a middle school/high school English teacher and special education teacher.  He has also served as Department Chair of Special Education and as Director of Special Education and Instructional Services.  He served as Deputy Superintendent for Instructional Services in Elmsford and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction in Pelham before becoming Superintendent in Pelham and then in North Shore.

Before returning to Mt. Pleasant in 2021, Dr. Giarrizzo provided leadership for special education and the entire instructional program in Mt. Pleasant from 2004 to 2007. “Dr. G. frequently tells people that Mount Pleasant has served as one of the most formative experiences of his career as an educator and leader. “It is often said that the best journeys lead you home and the opportunity to return as Superintendent of Schools was and remains one of the highlights of my career.” 

As our Chief Wildcat, Dr. G. loves nothing more than getting to know our students, staff, and families. Student achievement and wellness are at the forefront of the District’s work, and our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan and Portrait of a Mt. Pleasant Learner are powerful compasses which direct our priorities. In addition, the 2022 Field Bond project will revolutionize our use of outdoor space and provide endless opportunities for our students, athletes, and the Mt Pleasant Community. 

A Long Island native, he earned his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from Rutgers University, his Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Long Island University, and his Bachelor of Science in Education from SUNY Geneseo.

When he is not working in our schools, Dr. G., a knitting neophyte, can be found yearning to improve his tennis game, traveling, or spending time with his family, traveling the Tri-state area and beyond as a musician’s and/or football/hockey/lacrosse dad.

In June 2026, Dr. Peter Giarrizzo announced that he would retire on June 30, 2027.

The Board of Education will update the community as this process for hiring Dr. G's successor continues throughout the 2026-27 school year.