Meet the New Hastings-on-Hudson Superintendent: Dr. Roy Montesano

Name: Dr. Roy Montesano

Age: 54

Where do you live? I currently live in West Orange, NJ and have been at this address for 4 years.

/start date: Appointed on January 23, 2012; started on July 1, 2012

Contract: 5 years; a base annual salary of $235,000; salary increases will be reviewed annually

Previous experience: Superintendent for Ramsey School District in New Jersey, 7.5 years; superintendent for Westwood Regional School District in New Jersey, 5 years; taught science in the Ridgewood, NJ School District, 5 years; other positions include principal and director of curriculum and technology; named superintendent of the year by he New Jersey Association of School Administrators

Education: Masters Degree from Seton Hall University; PhD from Fordham

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Why did you want to become a school administrator?

I believe in Public Education and I wanted to be in a position that influences what and how children learn. I love being around young people, and find the job of an educator to be enormously rewarding.

What do you get out of the job?

The reward of knowing that I am in a career that I love and that I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of our children and our community.

Why did you choose the Hastings-on-Hudson School District?

Hastings-on-Hudson has a wonderful reputation as a community and cares a great deal about education. I like the small town feel that Hastings has as well as the many opportunities and resources that are available.

What do you love best about Hastings-on-Hudson and its school district?

The fact that everyone seems to strive to do what is best for children and community.

What have you been doing over the past couple months to prepare for your new role? And what have you been working on/focusing on since you started on July 1?

 I have been mostly focused on learning as much as I can about the community of Hastings and how the schools have operated. As part of my entry plan to the district, I have met with various people representing the many constituents that make up a community.

What are you most looking forward to for the 2012-13 school year?

I look forward to getting to know more about Hastings, spending time in classrooms and getting to know the students and staff and the community at large.

What challenges face the school district this year and how do you plan to handle them?

As with most districts, we have the financial challenges trying to balance the needs of the community while continuing to offer a robust educational program. There is also the implementation of the new teacher evaluation regulations (APPR's) and accountability demands that schools face.   

What would you like to accomplish/focus on in the 2012-13 school year?

In my first year, I want to learn more about how the system is operating while exploring opportunities for program advancement. I know of the stellar reputation of the staff, students and the schools in general and I am looking forward to seeing how we can continue to grow and advance the educational program. I am very much interested in how our schools are preparing students in 21st century skills.

How do you plan to approach budgetary issues in Hastings-on-Hudson?

Hastings has had a community budget committee in place and it is something I plan on continuing. Budgeting is a collaborative effort and there are various voices that need to be heard.

What do you enjoy most about your new role?

The new challenges that we will face as a school community and the opportunity to work with young people everyday.