Somers Central School District unanimously appoints Dr. Adam Braunstein as superintendent

The Somers Central School District Board of Education unanimously appointed Dr. Adam Braunstein as the district's superintendent, approving a three-year employment agreement that runs July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, with a first-year salary of $275,000, contingent on completion of the fingerprinting process required by New York State Education Law.

The board said the selection followed a multi-month search led by a retained recruitment firm, extensive community outreach and interviews of multiple finalists. The board approved an employment agreement dated Feb. 10, 2025, and authorized the board president to execute the contract once the fingerprinting condition is satisfied.

Board members described a process that began with the district retaining School Leadership as its recruitment firm in August 2024, included meetings with 81 stakeholders and more than 400 survey responses, and produced a field of more than 40 applicants. The board conducted first-round interviews with eight candidates and invited three finalists back for extended second-round interviews before selecting Braunstein unanimously.

The written resolution read at the special meeting states the board "hereby conditionally appoints Dr. Adam Braunstein to the position of superintendent of schools for a three year term to commence 07/01/2025 and ending 06/30/2028, subject to and contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the fingerprinting process required by the New York State Education Law," and approves an employment agreement dated 02/10/2025 setting forth the terms of employment and authorizing the board president to execute the agreement.

Trustees who spoke at the meeting praised Braunstein's experience and fit for the district. Trustee Margaret said Braunstein "is somebody special" and pointed to his combination of "compassion and rigor," recalling his background as a coach and classroom teacher. Interim Superintendent Harry, who spoke near the meeting's end, complimented the board on conducting a thorough search and said he expects a smooth transition when Braunstein takes the role.

Dr. Adam Braunstein, addressing the room after the vote, said he was "extremely humbled to begin this journey together on behalf of all students and families in the Somers Central School District." He told the community he looks forward to visiting schools and working with faculty, staff and families, and used an extended metaphor about elephants to describe hopes for unity and communication across the district: "Together, as Somers Central School District, we will demonstrate all of these characteristics to develop scientists, mathematicians, engineers, writers, artists, athletes, and much more."

The board did not record a named mover and seconder in the public transcript; the motion was moved and seconded and the roll was called with the chair asking "All in favor?" and receiving responses of "Aye," after which the motion was declared approved. Board members described the final decision as unanimous among the seven trustees.

Next steps specified in the resolution are completion of the fingerprinting required by New York State Education Law and formal execution of the employment agreement. Braunstein is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025; the board authorized the president to sign the agreement subject to the fingerprinting condition.

No other board actions or budgetary commitments were approved in this special meeting record; trustees and staff closed the meeting with brief remarks and adjournment.