Valley Stream #30 Appoints New Superintendent

Following a thorough and extensive search and interview process, the Valley Stream Union Free School District #30 and Board of Education are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Elaine Kanas as Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2008.

Following Lawrence R. McGoldrick's announced retirement last year, the Board quickly activated a search for his replacement. Recognizing that hiring a Superintendent of Schools is one of the most important tasks a Board of Education can undertake, they first began by hiring a highly qualified educational professional to lead the district during this transitional time. With the help of Interim Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Anthony L. Singe, the Board, with community and staff input, began the process of defining the qualifications and characteristics that would best describe the next Superintendent of Valley Stream #30.

“We are confident that Dr. Kanas possesses the professional and personal skills we are looking for in our next leader," stated Board of Education President Dr. Maria Fletcher. "We look forward to working with her as we plan for the future of our district."

Prior to joining District 30, Dr. Kanas served as Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Personnel at the Carmel Central School District in Putnam County since 2003. In that position, her responsibilities included the development and supervision of curriculum, instruction, and assessment for the district's K-12 programs, creation and management of budgets for instruction and personnel staffing and benefits, as well as directing the district's professional development and curriculum planning committees.

Before serving Carmel, Dr. Kanas worked as the Principal of the Siwanoy Elementary School in the Pelham Public Schools in Westchester County, as a professor at Columbia University, the College of New Rochelle, and Manhattan College, and held several administrative positions in school districts in upstate New York and New York City. Dr. Kanas has also been published in a range of educational publications, including the Scholastic Press' “Instructor Magazine” and the National Council of Teachers of English “Primary Voices K-6” publication, volume 5.

Throughout her professional career, Dr. Kanas has held leadership positions in several professional organizations including serving as a Board member for the Pelham Arts Center, Policy Board member for Putnam Northern Westchester Teacher Center, and a member of the Education Policy Fellowship Program. Additionally, as a strong advocate of community and parental involvement, Dr. Kanas has volunteered as a mentor for the Student Advocate Mentoring Program at Carmel High School and as a volunteer host family for the Bedford Hill Correctional Facility's children and mothers program.

Dr. Kanas received her Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Teaching from Columbia University, a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Science from Skidmore College.

In welcoming Dr. Kanas to the district, Interim Superintendent Dr. Singe stated, “I look forward to working together with Dr. Kanas, the Board of Education and staff over the next two months to ensure a smooth transition.”