Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Pelham School District.

The Pelham Public Schools is pleased to announce that Julia S. Chung has been appointed as the District’s next assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services, effective March 4, 2019.

Ms. Chung, currently the director of pupil personnel services for the Rye City School District, previously served as the department’s assistant director and was assistant principal of Rye High School for five years. Prior to joining the Rye City School District, she had a successful career as an assistant principal, teacher and math coach in Los Angeles California. She holds a M.A. in Educational Administration Leadership from California State University and a B.S. in Mathematics with Specialization in Statistics from the University of California, Irvine. Additionally, she is currently completing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Manhattanville College.

“I am thrilled to welcome Ms. Chung to the Pelham Public Schools community,” said Dr. Cheryl Champ, superintendent of schools. “We are extremely fortunate to have had several strong candidates for this position and Ms. Chung’s resume, personality and vision stood out throughout the search process. With leadership experience in both special and general education, Ms. Chung’s skill set is a strong match for the District’s Pupil Personnel Department. Her outstanding communication skills, even-keeled nature, and dedication to meeting the needs of all learners make her an excellent fit to lead our special education department, oversee our counseling services and continue to develop and expand our efforts on social-emotional wellness.”

Ms. Chung’s appointment is the culmination of nearly a year-long search. This fall, the District retained Hazard, Young, and Attea to assist with the search. The firm held several focus groups with key constituencies, including parents, special education staff, teachers, administrators and Board of Education members, which led to development of a leadership profile that guided the recruitment and screening process.

“It has been a privilege to meet with district and parent representatives, the Superintendent, and the Board who enthusiastically shared their expertise, pride, and commitment to the Pelham School community,” said Ms. Chung. “It is with the same humility, pride, and commitment that I embrace the opportunity to join the Pelham Public Schools.”

Interim Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Susan Lockhart will continue to lead the department until Ms. Chung assumes the position in March. Mrs. Lockhart has also agreed to assist during the transition through the remainder of the school year.

The community is invited to meet Ms. Chung at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, February 12 in the PMHS Library.