Nyack Public Schools

 "Just as we believe that all children are capable learners, we must “turn the mirror inward” and put focus on our own continued learning to build the human capacity and will to make a difference. When we understand that all children are our children and we see each child pursuing their full potential, we will see a brighter future."

A Message from the Superintendent for the 2019-20 School Year:  Sixty five years after Supreme Court’s decision in Brown vs. BOE, America’s schools are more segregated by race and class (U.S. Govt. Accountability Office, 2016). Our Nation’s racial and ethnic composition is rapidly changing. Among people aged eighty and over in the 2010 U.S. Census, more than 80% were white, but only 52% were white among those aged 5 or younger (Ferguson, 2013). Being mindful of what data trends indicate, what are the implications for our Nation if we are unable to close a persistent achievement gap?

In Nyack Public Schools, our fundamental goal is to prepare every child to develop their full potential for living in our society of today and tomorrow. This moral imperative guides a shift in thinking we are compelled to make if we are to realize the success of each child. As we deepen our collective understanding of equity, we are asking an essential question:  How do we work together to establish a culture that embraces diversity, respects all cultures, and ensures the development and implementation of educational programs that maximize academic achievement of all students regardless of race or socio-economics?

As we face a new school year, we are optimistic about changes and challenges it is sure to bring. We ask all members of our school community to join us in envisioning equity together. We will continue to take risks by closely examining the role we each play in changing a system that has allowed unacceptable disproportionality of outcomes, opportunity and achievement to persist within this District. Just as we believe that all children are capable learners, we must “turn the mirror inward” and put focus on our own continued learning to build the human capacity and will to make a difference. When we understand that all children are our children and we see each child pursuing their full potential, we will see a brighter future. 

Join Us in a shared vision of excellence in education with equity, innovation and optimism. 

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Visit Dr. James Montesano's page.