Statement of Solidarity with the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community
The Nyack Union Free School District Board of Education, the Superintendent, Administration, and staff stand in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, today and every day.
The ongoing escalation in violence against AAPI communities across the country—disproportionately affecting women of AAPI descent—is abhorrent and unacceptable, as is the xenophobic rhetoric and harassment seen again and again against our AAPI neighbors.
Given the potentially deadly consequences of such racism and xenophobia, it is more important than ever that we dismantle white supremacy and foster understanding and mutual respect between all races, cultures, backgrounds and abilities. We at Nyack Public Schools recognize the critical role schools and educators have to play in this work, and humbly embrace it. We are determined to achieve a more just and fair society for our children, our schools and beyond.
We are Nyack Strong because of our diversity—and offer every support and resource available to ensure all members of the Nyack School community feel valued, welcomed and safe.
Sincerely,
The Nyack School Board: James Montesano, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
Michael Mark, President Winsome Gregory, Ed.D., Asst. Superintendent for C&I/Personnel
Terence Rock, Board VP Gloria Menoutis, School Business Executive
Beth Davidson, Board Secy. Audrey Cabbell, Director of ENL & Bilingual Services
Damon Bender, Trustee Alexandria Connally, Ed.D., Director of Equity, Inclusion, & Innovation
Karen Hughes, Trustee Leo Macias, Director of Special Education & Pupil Personnel Services
Jen Marraccino, Trustee Darleen Nicolosi, Director of Technology & Innovation
James Marshall, Trustee Lisa Mininger Retallack, District PR & Community Outreach Specialist
Nicole Saieva, Dave Johnson, NAA Co-Presidents
Tom Burns, NTA President
Lisa Demarest, NTA-SRP President
Bridgett Sullivan, NAES President
Roger McGregor, NPSP President
Message from the Superintendent for 2020-21: By all accounts has been one that presents unparalleled challenges and changes. We must be unwavering in our belief that all children are capable learners; that each and every child is of unique value and significant importance. We must remain relevant and rigorous in our pursuit of excellence in education because we know that every one in our school community matters. We must indeed continue to re-imagine schools as we put new and equitable systems into place. The vision for equity, innovation and optimism continues to guides us. Education is in fact the most optimistic of professions as we are in the business of preparing children for the future. Providing a mutually inclusive focus on our core competencies - Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, Compassion, Content Mastery, Cultural Awareness - with a lens for social justice as a moral issue is imperative if we are to be successful. We must continue to “turn the mirror inward” and reflect on our collective 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. I can say with conviction that while we are not there yet, we are moving in the right direction. Please regularly check our 
