Veteran educator takes charge of Valley Stream high schools

Less than two weeks into his new job, Dr. Richard Marsh said he is not only determined to learn more about the Valley Stream Central High School District, but move it forward.

Marsh sees his six-month tenure here as an opportunity to positively impact the district and its students. “We can help the programs grow for kids and provide guidance,” he said. “I see my role as an interim superintendent is to help maintain and continue the school district’s outstanding programs, but also to provide leadership in these challenging economic times.”

Personal and educational history

Marsh, 62, has been the kind of avid learner that he encourages today’s students to be. After growing up in Laurelton, Queens and later Searingtown, he graduated from Herricks High School. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in technology and industrial arts from New York University in 1970. He also holds four other degrees in educational administration, supervision and policy including a master’s degree from New York University, two professional diplomas from St. John’s and Hofstra University, and a doctorate from Hofstra.

“My father was an educator and taught for over 42 years,” he said, “and that was why I became interested in education. I also like working with people and the interaction with everyone so I thought I could be a good teacher and it worked out.”

Marsh taught technology at Joseph Pulitzer I.S. 145 in Jackson Heights from 1971-72. He then moved to Baldwin, holding various roles as a technology teacher, high school chairperson, district curriculum coordinator, district director of curriculum and instructional support services, and principal of the Shubert and Milburn Elementary Schools, leaving in 1998.