Meet our Principal

Mr. Sgambelluri is embarking on his twenty fourth year in the field of education – the last eighteen of which have been at La Salle Institute. 

Throughout his journey in education, Mr. Sgambelluri has worn many hats. As a History teacher at Bishop Maginn High School he taught 9th Grade World History and 12th Grade Popular History. He then moved onto The Albany Academies where he served as a 5th & 6th Grade History teacher and later served as the Associate Dean of Students for Upper School students. Along with his duties as Associate Dean of Students, he also served as the Director of Student Life and taught courses in Leadership and also has taught Critical Thinking and Human Relations at Bryant & Stratton College. He arrived at La Salle Institute in 2008 as the Middle School Principal & Varsity Boys Basketball coach. 

A true "school within a school," the Middle School program, under Mr. Sgambelluri’s leadership, focused on challenging students both in and out of the classroom to reach their maximum potential. Whether it was during a Monday morning assembly, roaming the halls or meeting with students in his office, Mr. Sgambelluri belief that all students are being successful if they are giving their absolute best proved to be valuable. The Middle School routinely observed 100% student improvement academically, behaviorally, socially, spiritually and emotionally. Along with the creation of several exciting student centered programs – Mr. Sgambelluri also taught Leadership courses in the Middle School which exposed students to elements such as decision making, leadership styles, group process, public speaking, crisis communication and money management. 

In 2018, Mr. Sgambelluri moved to the position of Vice Principal for Discipline & Middle School where he oversaw the disciplinary program for all grades at La Salle Institute (6-12). During that time, Mr. Sgambelluri established the Disciplinary Advisory Council, student based mentoring programs and helped coordinate the launch of Café Cadets – a coffee shop run and operated by students in the La Salle Institute Business Program.  In addition, he constructed the school’s Emergency Plan, studied student retention and served as La Salle’s COVID-19 Coordinator. 

Additionally, Mr. Sgambelluri introduced “Leadership Labs” for the school, established the La Salle tutoring center and has created La Salle’s “Superhero initiative” – a program that highlights and recognizes students for helping others, being a positive influence and uplifting peers. He has also brought in professionals from outside organizations to help educate students on healthy relationships, peer to peer respectful interactions, the dangers of vaping/smoking and how to be safe using social media.

An avid supporter of Lasallian education – Mr. Sgambelluri have traveled to workshops and seminars with Lasallian educators from all over the country - including stops in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida & Texas. In 2023 he began educational consulting work with both private and public school teachers and administrators presenting on topics such as overcoming teacher burnout, discipline strategies for success, communicating with families and creating and maintaining a winning team culture for coaches. 

His virtual sessions in March 2023, 2024 & 2025 through Questar III BOCES were very popular. He also has conducted sessions in Orlando, Florida at the Lasallian Association of Secondary Schools Chief Administrators (LASSCA), and at De La Salle Institute in Chicago where he spent time with the faculty and staff. Additionally, Mr. Sgambelluri has conducted webinars for Role Call Consulting, Inc based out of Dallas and spoke at the New York State Catholic Schools Leadership Summit in Syracuse in August 2025. 

Mr. Sgambelluri is a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame at both Bishop Maginn High School & The College of Saint Rose. He served as head boys’ basketball coach at La Salle for ten seasons (2008-2018) and also coached at the collegiate level for three seasons at The College of Saint Rose (2003-2006). 

 

Mr. Sgambelluri believes that the education of students is a total team effort and one that involves students, teachers, coaches, mentors, family and friends. He wants all students to give their best, take care of their school and take care of one another.