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Katonah-Lewisboro Board Names Selesnick Superintendent

CROSS RIVER, N.Y. -- The Katonah-Lewisboro school board made its selection of Andrew Selesnick official when it voted Friday to appoint the veteran Chappaqua administrator as the school district's next superintendent. 

Andrew Selesnick speaks at the Katonah-Lewisboro school board meeting following his appointment as the district's next superintendent.

Andrew Selesnick speaks at the Katonah-Lewisboro school board meeting following his appointment as the district's next superintendent.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Katonah-Lewisboro school board members raise their hands to unanimously approve Andrew Selesnick as the school district's next superintendent.

Katonah-Lewisboro school board members raise their hands to unanimously approve Andrew Selesnick as the school district's next superintendent.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Andrew Selesnick, center, poses for photos with his family.

Andrew Selesnick, center, poses for photos with his family.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Andrew Selesnick, left, with Katonah-Lewisboro school board President Marjorie Schiff.

Andrew Selesnick, left, with Katonah-Lewisboro school board President Marjorie Schiff.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
A reception was held before the Katonah-Lewisboro school board's vote to appoint Andrew Selesnick as the district's next superintendent.

A reception was held before the Katonah-Lewisboro school board's vote to appoint Andrew Selesnick as the district's next superintendent.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie

The board voted 6-0, although Trustee Peter Treyz was absent. Selesnick's term will begin July 1 and run until June 30, 2018.

After the vote, board President Marjorie Schiff gave a detailed statement praising Selesnick.

“Our excellent school system is at the heart of our community, one of our most important local institutions," Schiff said. "Andrew recognizes this, as well as our strengths, our terrific students, teachers and staff, our tremendous parent and community support, and he is eager to build on those strengths and make our schools function at an even higher level.”

Schiff recalled what officials learned about Selesnick during the superintendent search, which began last summer.

“Throughout this process and through our conversations and interactions with Andrew, we have learned a great deal about his educational views, leadership style, his ability to inspire and develop leadership in others and his understanding of the issues that currently impact public schools in our area, as well as issues of particular relevance to the Katonah-Lewisboro school district.”

The board president also noted Selesnick's 23-year career in Chappaqua's school district, which included nine years as an English teacher at Horace Greeley High School, two years as an assistant principal, nine years as principal and nearly three years at the district office level, where he serves as assistant superintendent for leadership development and human resources.

Selesnick, whose family was on hand, offered his own remarks.

“I really do want to say thank you to all of you, in particular to the members of the board."

Selesnick also praised officials for the search process.

“You put me through a rigorous process, which is what it should be for a district like this one,” he said, adding to officials that they were thoughtful with their time and candid with their thoughts about the district.

Selesnick also emphasized his interest in learning about Katonah-Lewisboro.

“When I begin here in July, I will be the learner-in-chief in the district,” he said.

The approval ends a saga that began, Daily Voice previously reported, with the January 2014 resignation of Paul Kreutzer. Michael Jumper, the district's assistant superintendent for business, filled the position on an interim basis for the remainder for the 2013-14 school year, while John Goetz has temporarily filled it since last July.

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