During its March 10 meeting, the Fayetteville-Manlius Board of Education appointed Dustin Verga as Enders Road Elementary School Principal. The decision follows a December announcement from current principal Dr. Debbie Capri that she will retire in June.
“I am honored to join the Fayetteville-Manlius community and I look forward to building connections with our students, families, and staff,” said Verga. “I am fully committed to upholding the district’s mission and actively supporting the Enders Road community in shaping futures and molding young minds.”
Verga has been involved in education for over a decade, most recently working for Shenendehowa Central School District. During his time there, he has served as a health teacher, an administrative intern, and for the past six years, the High School Assistant Principal. Verga has also taught at Tech Valley High School, Saratoga Independent School, and Mountain Creek State High School in Queensland, Australia.
“Given his experience in a high-performing school district such as Shenendehowa, Dustin exhibits the same mission, vision, and values in his work as we strive to showcase here at F-M,” added Superintendent of Schools Dr. Craig Tice. “I am confident that Dustin will inspire students, provide a positive learning environment at Enders Road, and help support all students in their learning journeys.”
Verga graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland, then went on to receive a Master of Science in School Health Education from Sage Graduate School, and completed an Advanced Study in Leadership from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Among several other certifications and accolades, Verga has shown his alignment with the district as he is certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention in addition to his work as a Curriculum Developer and Consultant with the Mental Health Association of NYS (MHANYS). In addition, Dustin was voted by his peers to serve as an elected officer with the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AHPERD).
Capri’s last day with the district will be June 30, and Verga will begin on July 1, 2025. During the same March 10 meeting, the Board of Education also approved Lisa Geraci-Civiletto’s appointment as Mott Road Elementary School Principal, removing “Interim” from her title.