Saybel Pipitone and Mark Poelle
Two esteemed members of our faculty and staff, Spanish and Grade Eight Homeroom Teacher Saybel Pipitone, and Director of Facilities Mark Poelle will be retiring this calendar year: Saybel in June, and Mark in December. During their distinguished tenures Saybel and Mark have impacted our school in a myriad of meaningful ways.
Saybel realized at a young age the important role education can play in effecting positive change. Attracted to Saint David’ s mission and strong community, she joined our faculty in the fall of 2016 as Spanish Teacher for Grades Two through Eight, and subsequently assumed additional responsibilities as Eighth Grade Homeroom and Religion Teacher.
An enthusiastic and committed educator of boys, Saybel was one of our pilot action researchers for the Teaching Boys Initiative. She presented the findings of her research into how boys can develop communicative capacity at the International Boys’ Schools Coalition Conference in New Zealand in June 2023. She has also served as a mentor and evaluator for faculty milestone reviews and was instrumental in the school’ s participation in the Global Seal of Biliteracy program.
Our boys have benefited from Saybel’ s pedagogical expertise and dedication. Students and colleagues alike note her warmth, positive demeanor, and empathetic disposition; alumni make sure to visit her classroom when they return to school. Fellow teachers eagerly seek her advice and support, with her curriculum work often serving as a model for others. Whether delivering an inspiring Chapel talk, teaching Spanish, or sharing her singing talent during the Upper School Christmas Sing-along, Saybel brings her best to every endeavor.
In 2007, shortly after Mark Poelle and his wife, Lisa, migrated to New York City from San Jose, CA, Mark became intrigued by the“ four pillars” focus in a facilities job description for Saint David’ s School. Coming from a corporate background, he was drawn to the school’ s guiding principle,“ that they be good men,” which aligned with his personal values.
Throughout his years of exceptional service on the school’ s senior leadership team as Director of Facilities, Mark has handled regulatory compliance as well as the school’ s Emergency Management Plan. He also instituted processes within the Facilities Department to optimize efficiencies, such as establishing a computerized maintenance management system for work requests and overseeing the installation of a Building Management System that maximizes energy efficiency and cost savings. During the pandemic, he and his team ensured the safe operation of in-person school. Most recently, he has been leading initial work on the renovation and repurposing of 15 East 88th Street for school use.
Of his many accomplishments, Mark is most proud of his role in the multi-year, adaptive renovation / expansion into Graham House, which concluded in 2018 and required full demolition and new construction behind an existing landmarked facade. The $ 75 million project was driven by the curricular needs of the students and faculty, making for a true collaboration of planners and end users. Mark has found most fulfilling the mission-driven culture of Saint David’ s and the fact that,“ The school does not rest on its laurels, but strives for excellence as a continuous journey.” He has cherished the opportunity to work with so many colleagues who possess strong work ethics and moral perspectives, and always looked forward to his visits with the Headmaster for a Day – an annual highlight.
Both Saybel and Mark note that they will miss the“ Saint David’ s way.” Saint David’ s colleagues, boys, and families will miss their“ way” as well, for each has added a unique thread to the tapestry of this special and unique school.
~ Headmaster David O’ Halloran, April 2025
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