Montesano Returns As Nyack's Interim Superintendent

NYACK, NY — James Montesano retired a year ago after 10 years as head of the Nyack district. Now he's back as interim superintendent as the Board of Education starts its search process back up.

He started Tuesday.

In June, the trustees ousted the man they had picked to replace him, giving Eudes Budhai a $205,625 lump-sum payment plus a $45,000 contribution to a retirement annuity to break his four-year contract after one year.

After electing new officers (Jen Marraccino, president; Karen Hughes, vice president; and Beth Davidson, board secretary), the trustees invited Montesano to head up the district while they search for another replacement.

They made the announcement "with great pleasure, measured with gratitude and discernment ... We look forward to building trust, consensus and community while the BOE embarks on a search for the new superintendent, which we anticipate to complete in early 2023."

Montesano said his focus would be on student safety, security and wellness. "Nyack is in my DNA. I am excited to come back," he said in the announcement.