ADMINISTRATION

​After serving the P.S. 257 school community for nearly 3 decades, Mr. Melvin Martinez, is the Principal, of the school he has dedicated his life's service to. Mr. Martinez was born and raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He is a proud husband and father of two amazing teenage sons; both are outstanding graduates of P.S. 257.
In 2021, Mr. Martinez was honored as the honorary coach by ABC News and ESPN and received the prestigious ESPY award. He received this award for many years of volunteering and committing his time to helping high school students receive college scholarships.
Mr. Martinez is enthusiastic about this new chapter and looks forward to moving the school to another level of academic excellence alongside the dedicated staff at P.S. 257.
"Our school is an exciting and excellent place for students to learn through exploration, the arts, and technology - and remember that it's always a sunny day at P.S. 257."
- Mr. Melvin Martinez, Principal ​
Founded in 1962, Public School 257 is the heart of East Williamsburg. Public School 257, also known as Magnet School of the Performing Arts 257, continues to service our students and community for over 20 years. Magnet School 257's warm and inviting staff are committed to the academic and social-emotional success of every student who enters our doors.

Our History
Our Mission

Public School 257's mission is to provide children with a secure, nurturing environment where they will grow to their fullest potential. P.S. 257 will motivate all children to learn in order to become responsible and productive members of society.

​After serving the P.S. 257 school community for nearly a decade as a fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Nestor Bussi, was appointed Assistant Principal, in 2022. Mr. Bussi was born and raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and is a proud graduate of School Community District 14.
Mr. Bussi is passionate about education and providing every child the opportunity to grow and thrive to their greatest potential. He is committed to working alongside the teachers, staff, parents, and guardians, with one goal - the success of all students that walk in through the doors of P.S. 257.
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"I take pride in knowing that P.S. 257 is an inclusive and supportive community where we pave the way for well-rounded, successful, and empathetic human beings - by leading others to go as far as they can see, they will be able to see further. "
- Mr. Nestor Bussi, Assistant Principal​
After serving the P.S. 257 school community for over a decade - three years as a second grade teacher and previously as the English as a New Language teacher - for eight years - Mr. Jose Martinez now serves as Interim Acting Assistant Principal. Mr. Martinez was born and raised in the South Side also known as the ‘Sures’ in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He attended Community School District 14’s schools until high school where he attended Richard R. Green High School of Teaching in the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Mr. Martinez is a strong believer in community and giving back to the community. He is committed to helping the students of our school achieve academic excellence through strong and positive school to home partnerships with parents and guardians.
Mr. Martinez is humbled by the opportunity to serve in this capacity.
“The impact we make as educators goes beyond the four walls of the classroom - that’s what keeps me grounded.”
- Mr. Jose Martinez, Interim Acting Assistant Principal
