High school district names interim superintendent

This new year will bring new leadership in the Valley Stream Central High School District. Dr. Richard Marsh will be the new interim superintendent for the district starting Jan. 3.

Marsh, the former superintendent of the Bethpage Union Free School District, was announced at the Board of Education’s Dec. 14 meeting as the replacement for outgoing superintendent, Dr. Marc Bernstein, who is retiring on Dec. 16 after seven years with the district.

“The board would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Bernstein for his work on behalf of the children of the Central High School District,” said board President Kenneth Cummings. “For the past seven years, Dr. Bernstein has been an outstanding superintendent of schools, holding all accountable for students’ success…on behalf of the Board of Education, we wish you God-speed on your retirement and good health.”

Board members presented a plaque to Bernstein during the meeting. “I want to thank the school board for what they have given me and the administrative team and the entire professional staff over these several years,” Bernstein said.

Dr. Thomas Troisi, the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, was appointed to be the acting superintendent starting Dec. 17. As acting superintendent, Troisi will handle the district’s business until Marsh’s tenure begins. Marsh has shadowed Bernstein for a couple of days this month, Cummings said.

During the meeting the board appointed a search firm, School Leadership, LCC, to find a permanent replacement for Bernstein for the next school year. Consultants from the firm will listen to board members express what they want in a superintendent at a meeting on Monday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the district office boardroom. The public is invited to attend, but cannot participate.

In January, the board plans to start seeking the community’s input for the superintendent’s search. The community will be updated with search progress on the district’s website.