New Principal Named for Iona Prep’s Lower School

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Deidre Mone was named principal of Iona Preparatory School’s Lower School in New Rochelle, effective July 1, the school announced.

Mrs. Mone has served as director of admissions at the Lower School since 2016. As principal, she succeeds Joseph Blanco, who fills the newly created position as director of e-learning at the lower and upper schools.

“Joe and Deidre are talented, experienced educators who are bringing all their gifts and talents to their new roles,” said Brother Thomas Leto, C.F.C., president of Iona Prep, a boys’ school.

“With these changes in our administrative structure, I am convinced the mission of our school—even during a global pandemic—will continue to flourish as we pursue excellence in all endeavors.”

Mrs. Mone was a teacher for 27 years, 21 at Iona Prep. She received a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University and a master’s from Manhattanville College, Purchase.

“Boys and girls learn differently, and I firmly believe that Iona allows boys to grow into the young men they are meant to be,” she said in a statement. 

“I am grateful to Brother Leto for giving me this opportunity to expand my role and to continue to make the student body the greatest in Westchester.”

Blanco will lead the two campuses in administering effective ways to incorporate technology into all aspects of the curriculum and engage students in online-learning education programs. He has a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College and a master’s from Iona College.

“When Brother first approached me last year regarding this new position, I was honored to take on the role,” Blanco said. “As a result of the pandemic, e-learning has been crucial in our ability to educate our students. We share in the realization of the importance of e-learning prior to the pandemic and investing school resources to help our students succeed—whether in the classroom or working remotely.”