Search Process for New K-L District Administrators Underway

The process for hiring a new principal at the high school will involve administrators, teachers, staff and community input, school officials said this week following the of a new position as principal of White Plains High School.

"Generally when we hire at this senior level—and we consider the John Jay principal almost a 'fifth cabinet' position—we solicit feedback from across the district and cast a wide net," said Mark Lipton, school board president. He said the board expected Paul Kreutzer, superintendent of schools, to outline the process in more detail at the next board of education meeting on April 24.

Doherty will remain in the position until June 30, she told Patch. She said her reasons for leaving the district were primarily because of the exciting professional opportunity White Plains offered to her.

"It's a diverse, vibrant district," she said. "It's a great privilege for me to leave one great place to go to another. I love the high school here, the students and the faculty. It's been a great nine years in the district."

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Doherty added that she was most proud of creating a culture where people feel respected, and of the school's role in helping students learn how to be critical and analytical thinkers.

"The outpouring I've had in the past few days tells me that other people feel that too," she said. "It's nice to know I've been a change agent in a positive way."

Lipton said he wished Doherty the best of luck in her new position and praised her "many wonderful qualities." In terms of what he would seek in a new principal, he said he wanted to support the process of identifying what the high school community seeks in a leader. "I have my opinions but I want their voices heard first," he said.

High school teacher Frank Noschese said he would miss Doherty's leadership. "She made it inviting for students and was supportive of faculty and of progressive education," he said, admiring her role in eliminating the non-essential Regents exams for students, which he said allowed students to have more "authentic" educational experiences.

The district will also be searching for a transportation supervisor, following the resignation of Jim Minihan, who accepted a transportation supervisor position in the Ossining Public School District. The school board accepted his letter of resignation at its April 12 meeting, where board members commended his service to the district.

"Jim joined he district when I joined the school board so we've been together for his entire tenure—he has a unique set of skills, he's done a tremendous job, especially with the transition to triple tripping," said Peter Breslin. "I'll miss him."

Minihan told Patch he would miss the district, as well.

"I have enjoyed the people and loved the natural beauty of the district," he said. "I've thrived on the challenges and at the end of the day felt confident that we provided safe and efficient transportation to not only the students of KLSD but the community as well."