Ossining UFSD appoints Aza Shikapwashia as director of STEM, effective July 1

The Ossining Union Free School District Board of Education on March 12 approved the appointment of Aza Shikapwashia as the district's next director of STEM, effective July 1.

Don Mara, assistant superintendent for human resources, recommended Shikapwashia on behalf of the hiring committee, saying the candidate "was absolutely outstanding in his preparation, his articulation of his vision" and that he "blew us away." The board moved the related agenda items earlier in the meeting and voted to approve them by voice vote.

Shikapwashia, who addressed the board after the vote, said he was "very excited about this new role" and that he looked forward "to build[ing] on what's already a very strong foundation in science, and math and technology engineering here at Ossining High School." Board members and staff described him as a chemistry teacher with additional certifications who has been serving in an assistant principal role responsible for science, technology, engineering and math at the high school while the district planned a transition.

Superintendent Mary Foxholder and hiring committee members praised Shikapwashia's preparation, communication plan and collaborative approach. Foxholder said the committee reported he "was incredibly prepared ... professional" and that his interview "truly blew us away." Shikapwashia thanked the committee and the board and said he was "excited to hit the ground running."

The appointment was presented as a personnel action on the consent portion of the agenda. The board did not read an individual roll-call vote into the transcript; the motion was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.