By Jessica Easthope
At St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, school leadership is creating waves with their dynamic teamwork.
President Frank Carbone and Principal Danielle Madden-Buck share the responsibility of running the school, making St. Stanislaus the first in the Diocese of Brooklyn to adopt this collaborative model.
The two may seem like new colleagues, but they go way back to their days of basketball rivalry — Frank as the coach for St. Joseph’s College and Danielle as a player for Brooklyn College.
That competitive spirit resurfaced during Danielle’s interview for the principal position, where Frank immediately knew she was the top pick.
“Danielle popped up on that screen, and I knew she was the one. I felt like a general manager selecting my first draft pick,” said Carbone.
Now, Madden-Buck brings her passion for the game to the classroom, focusing on STEM education, differentiated learning, and establishing a resource room to meet the diverse needs of the students.
“We really want to touch all learners and ensure every child succeeds,” Madden-Buck said.
From basketball opponents to school allies, the pair call themselves the Dream Team, committed to maintaining a focus on faith-based values in Catholic education.
“It’s about how we treat one another, how we live our faith, and lean on it when needed,” she added.
Carbone sees their partnership as an unbeatable combination: “Passion, intelligence, talent, and faith — together, we can’t lose.”
At St. Stan’s, whether on the court or in the classroom, everyone wins.