Brewster Welcomes New Assistant Superintendent For HR

BREWSTER, NY — The Brewster school district has hired a new administrator for human resources.

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Stephen Hancock comes to the district from the Ossining schools. He and Communications Specialist Jessica Medoff took a few minutes for a welcome question-and-answer session.

Q: What drew you to Brewster?

A: I visited Brewster last February during the Tri-State Committee visit — I was deeply impressed by the incredible work being done with Vision 2026. The district is so clear and grounded by this roadmap for the future. I love the diversity of the district. When I walk the hallways, it feels like people are genuinely happy to work in Brewster. It is what drew me to Brewster.

Q: What is your background and experience?

A: I have spent the past fifteen years as an educator and leader in the Ossining Union Free School District. I started as a 7th/8th grade social studies teacher. When I obtained my Masters in Literacy from the College of New Rochelle, I taught reading and focused on students who would soon exit our reading program. I then became the Dean of Students and during this time my Superintendent nominated me for the Future School Leaders Academy, a partnership between Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES and Bank Street College to obtain my administrators degree. Then I was asked to be the Assistant Principal at the Middle School. After that, I became the Principal of Roosevelt Elementary and then became Principal at the high school. I am a lifelong learner. I believe all of my different experiences have given me perspective for this new position.

Q: Where does your passion for lifelong learning and education come from?

A: From my parents and grandparents. My grandfather, who was from Ecuador and my grandmother, who was from Puerto Rico, both stopped their education early on and instilled in my brother and I the value of education. Furthermore, my parents worked hard to give us that education and made me the person I am today. I also had a fantastic social studies teacher in high school, Mr. Musto — he knew how to tell a story and brought history to life. He inspired me to become a social studies teacher. I am currently pursuing my Doctorate through Manhattanville College.

Q: What are your hopes as the new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources?

A: I want to cultivate a culture where people feel valued and heard. I want to understand what’s going well and where we can improve from a Human Resources lens. I want our staff members to know me and I want to get to know them as individuals. My hope is to establish a positive rapport with people and be a supportive resource.