The Poughkeepsie City School District announced the arrival of two of its newest assistant superintendents at a Board of Education meeting on June 11 in the administration building on College Avenue. The two positions will be in human resources and pupil personnel services.
Current assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services Elizabeth Law’s final day will be June 30. Law, who came to the district in February 2007, said she will be taking another position as director of pupil personnel services at Tarrytown Union Free School District. She said she spent a great deal of time considering the move, citing the ultimate reason as a desire to live closer to New York City.
“It took some time to finalize,” Law said.
Superintendent Laval Wilson said Law indicated approximately three months ago that she was considering leaving.
“We wish Beth all the best,” Wilson said.
At Poughkeepsie, Law has had the opportunity to oversee and support special education operations for students, assist the guidance program and work with health services. Overall, she said she will greatly miss the people and programs affiliated with the district.
“The people I’ve had the privilege of meeting here and serving have been wonderful,” Law said, adding that there are many new and innovative programs being offered for Poughkeepsie students.
Welcoming the newcomers
Replacing Law will be Dr. Lynne Pampel, currently the director of pupil personnel and services and No Child Left Behind coordinator for the Beacon City School District, while Dr. Hasna Muhammad was selected as the new assistant superintendent for human resources for the district.
Muhammad, who is currently the assistant superintendent for curriculum and personnel at Greenburgh Central School District in Hartsdale, was one of four finalists for the position. Muhammad will be replacing Jose Carrion, the current assistant superintendent for human resources, who was promoted to assistant superintendent for instruction. Carrion’s new role will commence on July 1. Karen Markeloff, the current assistant superintendent for instruction, will be retiring after June 30.
Muhammad has been serving as assistant superintendent for curriculum and personnel for the Greenburgh Central School District since July 2005. She has experience serving in secondary and higher education, having served as a principal, assistant principal, dean of students, interim director of multicultural education, teacher and adjunct professor. In 1998, she earned a doctorate in education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also earned a master’s degree from Columbia in 1991, earning a public school teacher certificate in English.
Pampel has been serving in the education field for the past 25 years. From 2001-2004, Pampel served as director of special education for the Ellenville Central School District. From 2002-2004, Pampel served as chairperson for Devereux New York State Advisory Board. In 2000, Pampel received her doctorate in education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to that time, Pampel served from 1994-2001 as principal for the Devereux Foundation, Westchester campus, working with students with disabilities throughout various schools. Pampel earned a master of science degree and permanent certification in special education from State University of New Paltz in 1992.
Wilson said the decision to hire Muhammad and Pampel was also based on their experience working with others.
“Both Muhammad and Pampel have worked with social workers, guidance counselors and school nurses, and their current superintendents in both Greenburgh and Beacon speak very highly of them,” Wilson said.
Muhammad’s position will commence on July 1, while Pampel will begin her work on July 21.
Pioneering with Poughkeepsie
“One of the things that attracts me to the area is it’s a small city and very diverse. I know the opportunities for the children are broad,” Muhammad said. “My ability to make sure there’s a caring, competent, qualified teacher in every classroom is a bigger challenge than I’ve had, and I’m very excited about it.”
Pampel said some of the programs that Poughkeepsie is offering look similar, but some are different in comparison with other districts. Overall, she is excited about the opportunity.
“I really like working in city school districts, and Poughkeepsie has a good reputation. I like the team that’s been put together,” she said, commenting that she particularly looks forward to working with the school board and students.