Nyack Schools Superintendent Hired in Pocantico Hills; Parents Weigh In

Nyack schools superintendent Valencia F. Douglas has been appointed superintendent of the Pocantico Hills Central School District in Sleepy Hollow, according to the Pocantico Hills school board.

According to an announcement by the Pocantico Hills board,  Douglas will begin her duties as superintendent on Sept. 7. Nyack's school board will begin searching for an interim superintendent, and hopes to have the position filled by the end of August, according to Gail Fleur, communications director for Nyack schools.

"Once we find an interim superintendent, we'll begin putting together plans for finding a permanent replacement," she added.

The announcement did not come as a surprise to some Nyack parents.

"I heard she was leaving, but didn't know when," said David Lothrop, who currently has two children in Nyack schools and one who recently graduated.

"Sometimes [Douglas] was very good to work with, and other times she wouldn't listen," Lothrop added, commenting on his experiences with Douglas as superintendent. "I wish Dr. Douglas well. Since we now have a new board in place, it might be time to have a new superintendent."

Vera Rulon of South Nyack has a son who recently graduated Nyack High School—and she's sorry to see Douglas depart

"I found she was very supportive of the arts," Rulon said. Rulon is the president of Arts Angels, a non-profit that raises money for arts programs in Nyack schools.

"We developed a good relationship with [Douglas]," Rulon added. "That's something we'll have to work toward with the new superintendent."

Douglas was recently involved in Nyack High School's decision to become a closed campus. Though she was in favor of the project—and upping security measures for students—she believed the policy was instituted too abruptly.

In the Pocantico Hills announcement, the school board noted, "Dr. Douglas has had an illustrious career with more than 35 years experience as an educator and administrator," the announcement stated. 

Douglas served as the assistant superintendent of Secondary and Middle Schools for the Madison Metropolitan School District in Madison, Wisc., was principal of Osborne Elementary School in New Orleans, La., and as a special education teacher in Syracuse.

Douglas earned her Doctorate of Education in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University.  

"Dr. Douglas has been recognized throughout her career as a leader in her field of education," the annoucement stated. "With strong community involvement she developed and led the implementation of the Nyack School District's five year Strategic Plan and introduced an innovative robotics curriculum."

Most recently, Douglas received the 2010 Educational Leader of Distinction Award from the Nyack branch of the NAACP.    

"She brings to Pocantico Hills not only her stellar qualifications and experience but also a tremendous enthusiasm and love for the education of children," according to the Pocantico Hills statement. "Beginning her career in education as a classroom teacher herself, Dr. Douglas enjoys working with teachers, administrators, parents and the community to identify issues and overcome them to meet the needs of students. 

"I look forward to meeting the community in Pocantico Hills and working collaboratively with all the stakeholders to create learning opportunities to help all children reach and exceed their goals," Douglas said in the prepared statement.