Our team consists of our Trustees and Advisory boards, our Head of School, our teachers and kids and families—all united around the common goal of building the finest school on Long Island.

Head of School  

STEPHEN EDWARD RUBENACKER

The Bridges Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Edward Rubenacker as Head of School commencing July 2018.

Mr. Rubenacker has been an independent school educator for almost 20 years.  He began his career in the Long Island Public School system before moving, in 2001, to the Friends Academy Middle School in Locust Valley, New York. In his tenure there, Stephen taught 6th, 7th and 8th grade Social Studies, coached various sports and served for 10 years as the Principal of the Middle School. 

During his time as division head, Stephen dramatically increased time spent on literacy and math instruction, implemented a one to one iPad initiative, worked with INDEX (the national bench marking group for independent schools) to implement the Mission Skills Assessment, revised disciplinary codes and worked with his administrative team on faculty evaluation, scheduling and professional development. He also collaborated with his admissions team to realize record levels of enrollment within his division and worked closely with the head of school, finance officer and board on budgeting and strategic planning. During his final years at Friends, Stephen was an instrumental part of the process of campus planning and renovation. 

In 2015, Stephen assumed the headship of The Rosarian Academy, a 380-student independent Catholic day school in West Palm Beach Florida.  His major accomplishments at The Rosarian Academy include numerous program initiatives in math, literacy and STEM education.  Additionally, Stephen oversaw a complete rebranding initiative to improve dramatically the school's independent school identity though marketing and web presence within the community.  He also worked with his administrative team to improve philanthropic giving significantly within the institution, most recently recording a record level of fundraising through annual giving and yearly signature events.

Finally, Stephen led a successful accreditation through the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) where the visiting team commented:  “The visiting committee commends the bold vision and leadership of the new Head of School, Stephen Rubenacker, and his understanding of the urgency to make immediate changes and raise the bar of excellence for The Rosarian Academy."

Stephen grew up on Long Island and attended North Shore High School. He holds a B.A. in History and Secondary Education from St. John's University and a Masters of Education from Dowling College, with a combined focus in Literacy and Special Education in grades K-12. In 2013, Stephen participated in the Aspiring Heads Institute through the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). He has spoken at various conferences through the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) on educational technology and has been a mentor teacher as part of the Institute for New Teachers, also a NYSAIS sponsored program.

Last, and most important, Stephen is the proud husband of Kate and father of two boys, Thomas (8) and Daniel (7). They enjoy travel, outdoor activities, cub scouts, and spending quality time together on the weekends.

A series of events will be planned prior to the new school year to give parents, faculty and students an opportunity to meet Mr. Rubenacker.