Nyack School Board Appoints Dr. James Montesano as New Superintendent

• To clarify: the 2011-12 Nyack School budget says the superintendent's salary is $250,000. But school officials note that number is dated—$235,000 is the accurate figure.
  

Nyack Schools have a new Superintendent—Dr. James Montesano, who previously held the same position at schools in Paramus, NJ and comes from a family of public educators.

The Nyack School Board appointed Montesano Tuesday evening in the Nyack Middle School gymnasium to a crowd over over 200 parents, students and faculty. Montesano will permanently replace former superintendent Valencia Douglas—who —and relieve acting interim-superintendent .

Montesano will begin his duties June 29, 2011. According to the proposed 2011-12 district budget, Montesano will make $235,000 yearly, about the same as Douglas.

"The selection of a superintendent is perhaps the most important decision of any Board of Education," said Michael Lagana, the School Board's president. "We are confident that Dr. Montesano has the vision, leadership skills and dynamic personality that will ensure the success of all students."

"We're very excited, we look forward to working with him and we fully endorse him," he added.

Prior to heading Paramus schools for three years, Montesano was superintendent of Dumont, NJ schools for eight years. Earlier in his career, he taught language arts, social studies, math and science.

Montesano holds a B.A. from Lycoming College, an M.A. in Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University and an Ed. D. from Rutgers University. Both his parents—along with several siblings—have careers in the public education system.

"It going to be my ambition to make [the Board of Education's] selection the best decision they've made," Montesano said.

"[Nyack Schools] have outstanding reputation," he added. "That by far was one component that made me recognize this was an outstanding opportunity."

Read about the selection process .

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