Valley Stream names schools superintendent

The Valley Stream Union Free School District 30 has named a Port Washington administrator as its new superintendent.

The Board of Education on Tuesday announced that Nicholas A. Stirling has been selected to lead the district, effective Aug. 13.

The district has some 1,500 students, from kindergarten through sixth grade, in three schools.

Stirling, who was picked from a pool of nearly 80 applicants, said he wanted to build on Valley Stream's "momentum," with the district's five-year strategic plan as a road map.

"That strategic plan is comprehensive," he said, emphasizing the district's designs of developing a progressive curriculum and investing in its facilities.

"Coming to Valley Stream, I'm going to make sure those particular goals are achieved," he said.

Stirling replaces Elaine Kanas, who left to lead the East Williston school district this year.

Since 2007, Stirling has been an assistant superintendent in the Port Washington school district, working to develop and supervise curricula and manage budgets.

He has also worked as a principal and a business teacher.

He holds a doctorate from Fordham University, as well as two other degrees from the University at Albany.

"Dr. Stirling possesses the professional qualifications, experience and vision to lead our school district to the next level of success," school board president Carolyn Pean said in a statement.

Stirling said his appointment is for three years, and he will be paid $207,000 per year.