Zoë Reiss
We said goodbye to the Class of 2022 last spring and said hello to the new kindergarten class of 2035, but we’ve also welcomed many new administrators to Nyack Public Schools.
On June 30, 2021, Dr. James Montesano retired from his position as Nyack’s superintendent. The Board of Education hired Eudes Budai as his replacement. Mr. Budai helped demand action after racist incidents from Pearl River students and further prioritized Nyack’s goals of equity and anti-racism. "After a difficult year that included an ongoing pandemic and other challenges, the Nyack Union Free School District Board of Education and Superintendent Eudes S. Budhai have mutually agreed to separate,” said Lohud, citing a statement from Nyack’s school board.
Dr. Montesano was invited back as interim Superintendent for the 2022-23 school year while the school board searches for a new leader.
The arts departments at Nyack also made significant administrative changes this year. Last year, music students had to petition for a live audience at their winter concerts, the annual Jimmerson strings festival was canceled, and Nyack did not attend the NYSSMA Majors competition hosted at Nyack. Sarah Loveland-Gill stepped down from her position as Music Chairperson and our beloved high school band director, Michael Humphrey, was promoted to replace her.
When asked about his plan of action going forward, Humphrey said, "I'm super stoked to be able to take what I've been doing as a teacher for the past 11 years in Nyack and move that to a district level so that I can work with students all over the district to celebrate music and the arts. We have a vibrant, supportive community that is ready for steps to expand our music department and build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic that affected all of us."
In the visual arts department, Nyack high school teacher Deirdre Kenna has replaced Mr. Fusaro as chairperson. Nyack Art Works Instagram said, “[Ms. Kenna is] continuing our tradition of excellence and dedication to the arts here in Nyack Schools.”
Nyack is in good hands with these wonderful leaders!