The Elmsford Union Free School District has appointed James M. Ryan as Interim Superintendent, district officials announced on Friday, Dec. 8.
Ryan, who will serve through the rest of the 2023-24 school year, replaces the former superintendent Ronald Gonzalez, who resigned on Wednesday, Dec. 8. Gonzalez had been appointed superintendent in March 2023 after joining the district in July 2022 as interim superintendent.
According to officials, Ryan has 22 years of experience as a superintendent in neighboring school districts, including his time as District Superintendent at Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES until his retirement in June.
He also served as superintendent of the Carmel Central School District until 2015.
Before that, Ryan began his career as a fourth-grade teacher at Toddville Elementary School in the Lakeland School District before eventually becoming an assistant principal, principal, Director of Secondary Education and Personnel, and Director of Program Development and Human Resources.
"I am delighted to join you," Ryan told the Elmsford Board of Education during a meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 6, also adding, "I know there is a lot of work to be done."
Board President David Hecht commented on Ryan's appointment.
"We welcome Dr. Ryan to our school district and appreciate his educational record of serving school districts throughout the region in a variety of capacities," Hecht said, continuing, "Dr. Ryan has an extensive resume in the field of education. There is no doubt our students and faculty will benefit from his leadership experience.”
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