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Hochreiter, the superintendent of the Elmira City School District, will replace interim superintendent Brian Monahan for a three-year term beginning July 1. Hochreiter’s appointment ends a months-long search that began last fall. The Board of Education received community input and narrowed the search to four finalists who were each interviewed by the district’s search committee.
Hochreiter told the Board of Education Wednesday evening during its regular meeting that he was "honored and humbled" to accept the position. He added that he met his wife at Elmira City School District and leaving the district would be bittersweet but he's looking forward to working at Hendrick Hudson.
"This is going to be our home," Hochreiter said. "I look forward to not only serving as your superintendent for a very long time but being a community member and being very, very engaged with things happening inside and outside of the schools."
Hochreiter became the clear choice during the board’s search, said Board of Education President Mary-Pat Briggi.
“While all finalists were very impressive, Hochreiter’s experience and achievements stood out, making him the obvious choice to lead our district into the future,” Briggi said in a press release. “We were impressed by his energy and educational philosophy, his sense of optimism and enthusiasm and his ability to connect with and inspire our diverse group of stakeholders.”
Briggi added that Monahan’s work as the interim superintendent helped the board during the transition.
“Dr. Monahan has served our district with distinction during our transition year and the Board of Education is extremely grateful for the calmness, warmth and stability he has brought us this year,” said Briggi in the release. “Dr. Monahan has impressed us with his ability to communicate and connect with our entire community and has been responsive to all stakeholders’ needs during this challenging year.”
Several community members echoed sentiments about Monahan, including PTA President Lauren Attinelly, who added that she thought Hochreiter would be a good fit for the district.
Monahan "was that catalyst to bring us together and I really feel like we're unified now and ready for the next step," Attinelly said. "I really do believe (Hochreiter) is a good candidate for us. I look forward to working with him and seeing some good things for our district. I think great times are ahead for us."
Hochreiter comes to Hendrick Hudson schools, having served as Superintendent of the Elmira City School District since 2009. Hochreiter received his bachelor’s degree in inclusion education and social studies from Niagara University, a master’s degree from Niagara University in educational administration and supervision and is working on his dissertation for his doctorate at the University of Rochester, according to a press release.
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