Principal dances in school hallway before her retirement

June 27, 2013 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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Madeleine Brennan’s last moments as principal of Dyker Heights Intermediate School were filled with dancing and lots of laughter, according to several people who were there for her last day at the school on June 26.

Brennan announced last week that she was retiring as principal of the school, after 50 years on the job. She holds the record as the longest serving public school principal in the history of New York City, according to state Sen. Marty Golden (R-C-Bay Ridge-southern Brooklyn), who came to the school on Wednesday to wish her well in her retirement.

At dismissal time, Brennan, who is said to be in her 80s, playfully led teachers and parents in a dance in the school’s main hallway to “YMCA,” the disco-era song made famous by the Village People. She had told friends it was her favorite song.

“It was so fitting. It was like the perfect ending,” said one parent.

Then, it was time to go. Brennan was escorted down the stairs of the school’s front entrance by Golden and District 20 School Superintendent Karina Costantino. The principal was cheered by teachers, parents, and well wishers lining the stairs. The song “Simply the Best” by Tina Turner, was playing on the school’s public address system.