Letter from the Superintendent
Announcement of Middle States (MSA-CESS) Accreditation
We are excited to report that the District has received accreditation from Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. Based in Philadelphia, the Middle States Association is the worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 130 years, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development and advance student achievement. With more than 2,500 accredited schools and school systems in 34 states and over 100 countries, MSA-CESS is proud of its continuing legacy and its ongoing innovations to meet the challenges of improving education in the 21st century.
Lisa Marie McCauley, president of the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. “The entire district, from administrators to teachers, staff, parents and students, are to be commended for working together to create a plan focused on the long-term success of the entire district, and for their commitment to providing high quality education for all students.”
Accreditation is a multifaceted evaluation process that schools and school systems voluntarily use to demonstrate they are meeting a defined set of research-based performance standards. The 12 Middle States Standards for Accreditation are: mission, governance and leadership, school improvement planning, finances, facilities, school organization and staff, health and safety, educational program, assessment and evidence of student learning, student services, student life and activities and information resources.
7 Years to show growth on these Objectives:
- Student Achievement #1 - By the year 2025, Nanuet School District students will demonstrate a raised awareness of the Core Values as identified in the Belief Statements of our Mission.
- Organizational Capacity - By the year 2025, the Nanuet School District will develop K-12 so that 20% more students participate in the 4Cs of Learning, Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity.
- MS Objective Student Achievement #2 - By 2025, Nanuet students will improve their academic and lifelong, learning skills, allowing them to successfully pursue post-secondary options as measured by an increase in AP participation and % of 3, 4, 5’s on assessment.
We are the only Public School in Rockland and Westchester to achieve K-12 System Accreditation! Congratulations to the entire District on this incredible achievement!
Go Golden Knights!
Sincerely,
Superintendent of Schools
Superintendent
Dr. McCahill was appointed as Superintendent starting July 2019. He holds a Doctoral degree in Education from Seton Hall University, a Master of Arts in Teaching Education from New Jersey City University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from The University of Scranton. Dr. McCahill is married to a teacher, Lucia, and has three sons, Johnny (11), Michael (9) and Cole (4).
Dr. McCahill’s leadership style is anchored to two essential beliefs; the primary tenet is to “Seek first to understand and then to be understood” (Covey) and the second is “Leadership occurs in the context of relationships” (Fullan). Dr. McCahill says, “My brand of leadership is defined by a resolute commitment to mutual respect and collaboration, while maintaining the highest expectations for others and myself. Fostering cooperation and encouraging commitment through dialogue and the development of a common vision are priorities for me as a leader in the field of education. I truly believe that a strong Superintendent must have ‘walked a mile in the shoes’ of those whom they lead.”
As a proud and passionate educator for almost two decades, Dr. McCahill had the pleasure of serving as a Middle School and High School Math Teacher, High School Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Teaching Coach, Elementary Principal, Director of Teaching and Innovation and Assistant Superintendent of Schools. These experiences offered him the privilege of designing, implementing, and innovating programs and curricula that span the entire K-12 school continuum.
Dr. McCahill is grateful for this distinctive and unique career pathway. Serving the students, staff and community here in Nanuet as both a building level and district level leader over the past five years has provided him with the benefit of forging deep relationships with the Nanuet school community and he looks forward to continuing those partnerships as we push forward, evolve and innovate into the future!
