Donald Baughman

The Museum of Arts & Culture was named for Donald Baughman, former Principal of New Rochelle High School.

Donald Baughman taught social studies at New Rochelle High School for 15 years before becoming the Department Chairman. He was selected as Assistant Principal in 1985 and became Principal in 1992.

During his tenure the U.S. Education Department named New Rochelle High School a Blue Ribbon School in recognition of its excellence in teaching and instruction, student achievement, leadership and parental involvement. (Blue Ribbon schools feature challenging academic standards and a rigorous curriculum for all students; a disciplined, supportive, safe and drug-free environment; participatory leadership and a strong partnership among the family, school and community; excellent teaching and an environment that strengthens teacher skills and improvement; low dropout rates and documented student achievement)

Under During Don Baughman’s leadership New Rochelle High School established the PAVE (Performing and Visual Arts Education) in 1999 to “prepare talented students to meet the demands necessary for success, both academically and professionally, by providing them a broader knowledge, scope, insight and balance in a comprehensive program of creative and artistic works.” Don Baughman also oversaw a major building initiative, the addition of the high school’s new wing, which opened in 2005. The new wing houses the school’s art department, with a dance studio, ceramics studio, the Linda E. Kelly Auditorium and the Donald Baughman Museum of Arts & Culture.

“Our goal was to make New Rochelle the performing arts center of lower Westchester County,” Don Baughman told a reporter, “but actually it’s become much more than that. It’s the pursuit of excellence.”