The Roslyn Union Free School District has named new principals for Roslyn High School and Roslyn Middle School, following unanimous approval by the Board of Education at its May 8, 2025, meeting.
Both appointments are familiar faces for the district, with the new principals promoted from within their respective schools.
Dr. Dave Lazarus will become principal of Roslyn High School, and Justin Gabrus has been appointed to lead Roslyn Middle School. Both currently serve as assistant principals and will assume their new roles later this year.
The promotions follow the announced retirements in February of three longtime administrators: High School Principal Scott Andrews, Middle School Principal Craig Johanson, and High School Assistant Principal Carol Murphy.
“These appointments are the result of an extensive selection process involving multiple interviews, community and staff feedback, and a close evaluation of each candidate’s experience and vision,” said Superintendent Allison Brown.
Brown has provided steady leadership at the top of the district for nearly a decade, serving as superintendent since 2016.
Meet Roslyn’s New School Leaders
Dr. Lazarus brings more than 20 years of experience in education and school leadership. He holds advanced degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, SUNY New Paltz, Teachers College at Columbia University, and SUNY Stony Brook.
At Roslyn High School, he has overseen curriculum planning, student support systems, faculty development, and scheduling. He is certified in School Building and District Leadership and is known for fostering academic rigor and an inclusive school culture.
Gabrus has served as assistant principal at Roslyn Middle School, where he manages grades 6 and 8, coordinates assessments, and chairs the Art Department and Child Study Committee. He also plays a key role in emergency preparedness and leads family engagement efforts through the Parent-Faculty Association.
Gabrus holds degrees from The College of Saint Rose, Touro College, and SUNY Old Westbury, and holds certifications in School Building and District Leadership, Childhood Education, and Literacy.
Roslyn’s Tradition of Academic Excellence
Roslyn High School and Roslyn Middle School are consistently ranked among the top schools in New York State and the nation. It’s ranked as the fourth best school district statewide by Niche and fifteenth in the nation.
Roslyn High School is ranked nineteenth in New York and 146 nationally, with a 99% graduation rate, an average SAT score of 1400, and an average ACT score of 31, according to Niche.
In 2025, six Roslyn students were named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.
Roslyn Middle School is ranked tenth in New York and fifty-sixth nationally, recognized for its strong academics, student support, and teacher quality.
The appointments of Dr. Lazarus and Gabrus continue Roslyn’s tradition of promoting experienced, dedicated educators who are deeply familiar with the district’s culture and committed to maintaining its standard of excellence.