From the Superintendent of Schools

Dear Families and Staff,

I am pleased to share that this evening, I will be recommending that the Board of Education appoint Dr. Alice M. Bowman as our new Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning position, which was created as part of the 2022-23 budget. Dr. Bowman, who currently serves as Principal of Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School on Long Island, will assume leadership of the District’s academic program effective August 8, including the areas of curriculum and instruction, professional development, technology services, testing coordination and data management.

“I am extremely grateful and excited to be joining the Pelham Schools,” Dr. Bowman said. “I am eager to become a part of the outstanding district and community of Pelham, and I am very much looking forward to working collaboratively with the entire learning community as we provide Pelham’s students with excellence in education!”

Dr. Bowman has been a middle school principal since 2015 and has over 23 years of experience as an educator, including serving as assistant principal at Floral Park Memorial High School, where she previously served as English Chairperson. Importantly, she has worked on several initiatives that closely align with the Pelham Public Schools’ current Strategic Plan and curriculum, including implementing the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, developing a comprehensive Multi-Tiered Systems of Support program, using data to assess and support academic progress and working to provide social-emotional supports for students.

 Additionally, she has experience creating master schedules, redesigning course offerings and designing and delivering professional development for staff. Dr. Bowman holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Hofstra University, an Administration Certificate from the College of St. Rose, a M.S. in Secondary English Education from Hofstra and a B.A. in English from SUNY Stony Brook and participated in Columbia University’s Teachers College Education Policy Fellowship Program.

The appointment of Dr. Bowman follows a search and screening process that included several focus groups with key constituencies including families, administrators, teachers and outgoing and incoming Board of Education trustees. The information gleaned from these focus groups, as well as a digital survey that was shared with the community, was used to create a leadership profile. The leadership profile was then used to screen prospective candidates. Top candidates met with a committee of parents, teachers, and administrators. Finalists met with myself and the Superintendent’s Cabinet and were presented to the Board of Education for consideration.

Throughout the screening process, Dr. Bowman demonstrated a skillset that I believe will be a strong addition to the District’s leadership team, including Assistant Superintendent for Business Jim Hricay, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Traci Holtz, Executive Director for HR and Leadership Dr. Steven Garcia, and myself. I was particularly impressed with her passion for teaching and learning, breadth of experience across all levels and demonstrated ability to improve student achievement through skillful use of data and well-designed professional development.

I look forward to Dr. Bowman joining my cabinet as we work alongside our talented administrative team, teachers and professional staff to meet the District’s mission of Inspiring a Standard of Excellence for All Students. 

Please enjoy the remainder of your summer. 

Sincerely,

Cheryl H. Champ, Ed. D.

Superintendent of Schools