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Hendrick Hudson Picks Interim Schools Chief

MONTROSE, N.Y. – The Hendrick Hudson School District announced Friday the appointment of Pace University education professor Brian Monahan as interim superintendent. Monahan, who begins July 1, will fill the vacancy left by the early retirement of Superintendent Daniel McCann. 

Monahan has 40 years' experience as an educator and is currently Coordinator of Graduate Programs in Educational Leadership and Technology at Pace, according to a release Friday from the Hendrick Hudson School District.

“My hope is to continue to build on the excellent work that has been done and provide careful and thoughtful leadership during a period of transition. I have enjoyed my recent three years as a professor but look forward to getting back into public school classrooms and seeing the positive things that happen when teachers, staff and members of the community work together to help students excel,” said Monahan.

McCann, who announced his retirement in March, is leaving the district about two years into a five-year contract set to expire in June 30, 2015.

Although many considered McCann embattled at the time he announced his retirement, he recently announced an end to negotiations with the district’s teachers union, the Hendrick Hudson Education Association. The contract had been expired for a year, and negotiations had been ongoing for nearly 18 months when a tentative deal was announced. District officials say specifics will come out after the contract is ratified by the teachers union and Board of Education. McCann said the contract covers multiple years.

Monahan began his career in Yonkers Public Schools as a computer science and English teacher, and has held positions as a curriculum specialist, director of information and technology and deputy superintendent. He retired as superintendent of the North Rockland Central School District in August 2009, having served that district since 1995.

Monahan received his B.A. in English from SUNY Albany. He holds three master’s degrees: in English education from Iona College, applied linguistics from Columbia University and computer science from Pace. He received a Ph.D in curriculum and teaching, with a specialization in language and literacy, from Fordham University, according to the district's release.

From 1999 to 2005, Monahan served three terms as mayor of the Village of Dobbs Ferry, according to Elisabeth Dreaper, deputy village administrator and village clerk. He also served as a school board member in the Dobbs Ferry Union Free School District.

“The Board of Education interviewed a number of candidates, and while all had very impressive backgrounds, Dr. Monahan is the best fit for our schools at this juncture,” said Board of Education President Marion Walsh. “We were impressed with his varied experience and educational philosophy and captivated by his sense of optimism, enthusiasm and ability to connect with individuals on a number of levels. We are delighted to welcome him to our community and look forward to working with him in the coming year,” she said in a release.

Monahan will be appointed once his contract is finalized, the release said.

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