EUFSD celebrates new administrators and tenured principal

Interim Superintendent James Ryan introduced the district’s new Superintendent of Schools, Susan Yom, at the Dec. 4 Board of Education meeting. 

The meeting took on a celebratory atmosphere as the district introduced the community to new administrators and recognized the hard work of Grady Principal Andrea Hamilton by conferring tenure on her.

Dr. Ryan said that hiring a superintendent to oversee the district is one of the most important tasks undertaken by any board of education, and this board received 50 applications and underwent an exhaustive interview process with eight finalists for the position.

In the end, “it was a strong yes,” Board President David Hecht said of the board’s choice.

Ms. Yom has 29 years of educational experience, beginning as a teacher. She recently served as Superintendent of Schools in Nyack, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in Clarkstown and as Director of Research, Assessment, and Accountability and Assistant Principal in New Rochelle.

“I was so compelled to join the Elmsford district when I heard about the board doing everything and anything to make sure students are successful and to help students get to the top,” she said.

She noted that a conversation with Mr. Hecht was instrumental in her decision as it gave her “an historic perspective that allowed me to really see the glory and wonders of Elmsford that really became a place I wanted to come to.”

“I look forward to working with you as a board and working to advance our students’ futures,” she said.

Ms. Yom, who officially begins on Jan. 2, 2025, has developed a 100-Day entry plan that she will share with the community. Until then, she will visit the schools and meeting with officials and staff.

“I look forward to talking to the board, students, staff, families and community members. I want to spend that time listening and learning and coming to understand the daily experiences you have as well as ways you want to see the future your children will get to experience,” she said.

“I started my career in the classroom,” she added. “It is probably the most important place that I center my work. I will be highly visible, as it is the heart of teaching and learning and what we do for kids everyday that has made me so excited to come join this family.” 

“I hope as a team we can do great things together,” she said.

The search for a new superintendent began early this year. Mr. Hecht thanked Dr. Ryan for his leadership and assistance in guiding the board through the process. He also recognized the hard work and commitment of the board to find the right candidate.

“The amount of dedication that these board members put in shows the seriousness in which they take this job. It exceeded my expectations,” Mr. Hecht said. 

In addition to welcoming Ms. Yom, Dr. Ryan announced Dr. Hamilton’s receipt of tenure.  

“She excels in all areas of her professional responsibilities,” he said of Dr. Hamilton, who has served as principal of the Alice E. Grady Elementary School since July 2019. “She’s a highly visible champion of Alice E. Grady staff, students and families who have all benefited from her enthusiasm.”

Dr. Ryan also introduced Thomas Murphy the new Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, succeeding Linda Carlin who retired earlier this year.

Mr. Murphy previously worked as the executive director of the central business office for the Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES.

“It is with great joy we found our own amazing business official,” Dr. Ryan said. “He brings extensive experience in all business functions.”

In addition, James Yap was named Deputy Superintendent following a sixth-month stint as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Technology and Certificated Personnel. Mr. Yap will retain those duties while also serving as deputy superintendent.

Dr. Ryan said Mr. Yap is extremely knowledgeable in all district operations and that he recommends him as deputy superintendent with great pleasure and pride.