He did, however, say that “down the road [the Common Core] will make for more creative learners,” though he worries about “over-testing.”

“I will never make-believe I know the answer,” Seinfeld added. “Sometimes you have to do a little research.”

Saul Lerner, the Central District’s director of physical education, health and athletics, has worked closely with Seinfeld for more than a decade. “David is going to be a spectacular assistant superintendent,” Lerner said. “He’s creative, innovative. He loves kids. He’s one of the hardest-working people I know, and exceptionally bright. He is perfectly suited for this position.”

Nicole Hollings was a Calhoun assistant principal for four years under Seinfeld before she was named his successor in June. Seinfeld, she said, will “follow the superintendent’s vision for pushing us instructionally and academically forward in a much deeper way than before. He’s going to provide the buildings with the tools to analyze data more effectively. And we have a wide technology vision to support instruction and teaching.”

David Seinfeld
Age: 53
From: Roslyn
Grew up in: Queens

Experience: 31 years in education, including, most recently, 11 years as the Calhoun High School principal. Formerly a principal of North Shore High School for three years, and a principal, assistant principal and math teacher in New York City Public Schools.

Degrees: Bachelor’s degree, mathematics, SUNY Albany; master’s degree, mathematics education, Queens College; certificate of school supervision, Queens College.

Family: Married to Dr. Laura Seinfeld for 28 years, with two grown children.