Dear Putnam Valley Community:
After an extensive interview process, the Putnam Valley Board of Education is expected to vote on the appointment of Dr. Grace Chan as our Assistant Superintendent of Business Administration at this Thursday’s Board of Education meeting. The appointment will be effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Chan joins us from the Nyack Union Free School District where she currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations. Dr. Chan holds a Doctorate (EdD) in Educational Administration and Supervision from Fordham University, a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Pace University, and a Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA) from Western Connecticut State University.
Dr. Chan impressed committee members throughout the interview process, displaying high levels of professionalism, knowledge, and experience along with a warm and friendly personality. Dr. Chan will bring 18 years of experience working in school business offices and for the previous 8 years, as a School Business Official. Dr. Chan is well-versed in the development of school budgets, management of finances, and fiscal accountability. Dr. Chan will bring a tremendous amount of experience with her as she transitions into Putnam Valley and is excited to support the Putnam Valley School Community.
Dr. Chan will succeed Ms. Jill Figarella who has served several roles within the Business Department at the Putnam Valley School District during her 30-plus years of dedicated service to our school district. Ms. Figarella, who retired earlier this school year and is currently serving in an interim role, will be deeply missed. Over her long career in Putnam Valley, Ms. Figarella has always maintained an appropriate balance between the needs of our instructional program and the financial capacity of our community. During her tenure as a School Business Official, the Putnam Valley School District has transformed its instructional program, expanded extracurricular activities, and improved our indoor and outdoor facilities. Ms. Figarella’s legacy will continue well into the future here in Putnam Valley.
Please join me in thanking Ms. Figarella for her many years of service to Putnam Valley, and please welcome Dr. Chan who will provide strong financial leadership over the District in the years ahead.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools