West Hempstead names schools chief

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As high school graduates enter the next chapter of their lives, the West Hempstead School District superintendent, Patricia Sullivan-Kriss, will also be moving on. After three years in the position, she announced her retirement on June 19 at the district’s Board of Education meeting, citing personal reasons.

The board unanimously appointed Daniel Rehman, the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, to succeed Sullivan-Kriss on July 1.

“My years in West Hempstead have been filled with wonderful moments, and certainly a plethora of fabulous people whom I will miss,” Sullivan-Kriss said. “I have greatly appreciated working with a Board of Education who serve selflessly . . . The West Hempstead school staff are an incredibly hard-working group of individuals who work day in and day out to serve our children.”

She also thanked parents and community leaders for sharing their insights at meetings, and continuously showing “Ram Pride.”

A lifetime resident of Rockville Centre, Sullivan-Kriss began her tenure as superintendent in 2015. During her years in the district, she strengthened several initiatives, including educational programs such as ST Math, a visual program for kindergarten through sixth grade that builds a deep understanding of math through rigorous learning and creative problem solving. In addition, she helped guide the district’s efforts to restructure the grade levels to create an intermediate school with grades four though six.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Patricia Sullivan-Kriss for her dedication and commitment to the success of our students,” said Board of Education President Karen Brohm. She added that Sullivan-Kriss was successful in implementing professional development opportunities for administrators and staff, along with programs and initiatives that provided more learning opportunities for students.

Brohm also said that the board was confident that Rehman had all the necessary professional leadership skills and vision to continue to build on current plans, and to continue the district’s progression. “His dedication and commitment, coupled with his knowledge of our schools, students and community, will ensure a seamless transition as we move into an exciting new school year,” Brohm said.

Rehman has served in the district for the past nine years. He began his career in West Hempstead as principal of the Chestnut Street School, was appointed principal of West Hempstead High School and then served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. Before he came to West Hempstead, he was a teacher and administrator in the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District.

He holds a school district administrator and school administrator supervisor certificate from Long Island University-C.W. Post, a master’s degree in elementary education from Adelphi University and a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from the University of Richmond.

Rehman thanked the board for selecting him as the district’s new superintendent, and said that he hoped to build on all that has been accomplished. “I look forward to continuing the work that has been started with our administrators, staff, students, parents and community,” he said, “as we move our students and school district to the next level of success.”