Nyack School Board Picks New Superintendent

NYACK, NY — The Nyack Board of Education on Tuesday appointed Eudes S. Budhai as the district's new schools superintendent.

Plans for a reception and formal introduction to the community will be announced at a later date, given the current coronavirus pandemic restrictions, school Board President Michael Mark said in a letter to parents.

“The Board believes that Mr. Budhai brings to Nyack Public Schools a wealth of experience and a
demonstrated track record of equity and excellence regarding student achievement, fiscal management and family engagement," Mark said. "After receiving comprehensive input from the
community, the Board set out last fall to find an experienced and collaborative educator, a visible and approachable listener and communicator, a dynamic and transparent decision maker, and a forward-thinking, courageous, and equity-focused leader. We believe we have found all that and more in Mr. Budhai."

Budhai is currently superintendent of the Westbury school district on Long Island.

"At Westbury he was instrumental in the passage of a $58.5 million bond referendum to expand schools as well as the passage of four budgets over $151 million; as superintendent Mr. Budhai increased family engagement and championed diversity, equity and inclusion. The High School was recognized as one of 12 schools in New York State to achieve higher graduation rates than the state average—for students of color and for all students," Mark said.

Budhai told Patch that priority 1 for the district is making sure students and staff are safe as instruction and learning returns to the classroom full time.

"While my official start date is July 1, I'll be around getting to know the community and really embracing beautiful Nyack," he said. "I'll be meeting people and listening."

Nyack's search for a superintendent to replace James Montesano, who is retiring after leading the district since 2011, began in September.

"The Nyack Board of Education selected Mr. Budhai because of his experience across every sector of school administration, from business to communications to special education, bilingual and dual-language programs, facilities management and more. Having successfully reopened schools during COVID-19, Mr. Budhai served as an expert earlier this year as part of a webinar focused on remote learning. Fluent in Spanish, Mr. Budhai is a nationally recognized expert on racial equity and inclusion," Mark said.

Budhai received a four-year contract with a base salary of $265,000.