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Hagerman – just the 10th superintendent in 230 years – took over from 15-year Superintendent Michael McGill last summer, after the Board of Education conducted an exhaustive, nationwide search.
During his first year in the district, the Board of Education engaged in a comprehensive review to evaluate Hagerman’s performance. The process “resulted in the conclusion that, especially given the unique challenges of a transition to a new administration, Dr. Hagerman was a highly effective superintendent, leading the district through a successful school year.”
The Board praised Hagerman for being an engaging public figure in the community, his willingness to meet hundreds of groups and organizations during his brief tenure and the development and overwhelming passing of the school budget, a hotbed topic in recent years.
Under Hagerman’s watch, the district approved a facilities bond for necessary construction throughout the district to update several buildings, and after an exodus of administrators either retired or took jobs elsewhere, he found key replacements to help lead Scarsdale students.
“As part of my formal evaluation process, I had the opportunity to reflect deeply on the challenges and successes of the year. It is heartening that there have been more of the latter than the former, putting us on a positive trajectory moving forward,” he said. “I am also pleased that, embedded into much of this year’s progress, there has been a real coalescing of the community, Board of Education, parent, faculty and student interest and needs.
“This year has proved to be a testament of why I came to Scarsdale: people are clearly passionate about this place, and are committed to the ongoing success of all our students.”
Before coming to Scarsdale, Hagerman spent a decade as a superintendent in Chicago, including time at the nationally renowned Winnetka School District. During his tenure in Illinois, he oversaw both K-8 and K-12 districts similar to Scarsdale. He also spent time in Oregon.
“Scarsdale is very fortunate to have Dr. Hagerman at the helm of our community’s most important asset,” Board of Education President Mary Beth Gose said in a statement. “The board unanimously decided to offer (him) a contract extension and hopes that the success achieved by Dr. Hagerman will continue as we work together over the coming years to preserve and enhance the quality and breadth of the educational experience of our children.”
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