Somers names new superintendent

SOMERS, N.Y. - The Somers Central School District has a new superintendent.

Dr. Adam Bronstein, who the district hails as “a distinguished educator with an extensive background in public education,” was appointed to the role by the Board of Education on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

His official first day is July 1.

The search process began last year after then-Superintendent Dr. Raymond Blanch left to lead the Katonah-Lewisboro School District.

Harry LeFevre, who was the interim director of human resources and student services at the time, stepped in as interim superintendent.

“It has been a joy and a privilege to serve the Somers Central School District family,” LeFevre said. “Day after day, I have been heartened to see the innovation and devotion shown by our educators and the excitement on the faces of students eager to learn, explore and grow."

He added that he was glad to know that he was "leaving the district in the hands of an exceptional educational leader such as Dr. Bronstein."

In August, the board brought in School Leadership LLC as its search firm.

Two months later, it asked folks what type of “attributes” they would like the next superintendent to possess.

It received input from 81 stakeholders – “representing a diverse cross-section” of the community – and more than 400 survey participants. This “essential feedback” was passed along to the search firm.

The board used it to establish five “specifications” it would use during the interview process.

Boiled down, they were looking for a leader who was “diplomatic, centered,” “savvy, visionary,” “thoughtful, measured,” “approachable,” and “courageous, trustworthy.”

(For the exact details of the wish list, visit www.somersschools.org and click on the Superintendent Search tab.)

In its announcement Tuesday, the board said it was “unequivocally convinced that Dr. Adam Bronstein epitomizes these criteria.”

About Bronstein

A resident of Mamaroneck, Bronstein and his wife, Lilliana, have two daughters, Adriana and Lucia.

He’s held various roles within the Mount Pleasant School District for nearly a decade.

Bronstein started out there as principal of Westlake Middle School, where he introduced the International Baccalaureate’s (IP’s) Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Community Project, a coding course, and a 5th- to 6th-grade transition seminar for students.

He then became the district’s director of curriculum, instruction, and administrative services and then its assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction, and administrative services.

Once at the district level, Bronstein initiated the development of an AP capstone experience in partnership with Westlake High School’s principal.

As part of his most recent position, Bronstein “led the implementation of curricular initiatives, staff development, contract negotiations, and closely collaborated with the business office on budgeting,” the Somers school board said.

And that’s not all.

Somers’s new superintendent is a Fellow in the New York State Council of School Superintendents Future Superintendents Academy for the 2024-2025 cohort.

Degrees Held

Originally from Virginia, Bronstein studied Spanish language and literature at the University of León before going on to earn his bachelor of art’s degree in political science from the University of Virginia.

He holds a master’s degree in elementary education and teaching from Pace University, a master’s in education administration and supervision from Fordham University, and a doctorate in educational leadership and administration, general from the University of Pennsylvania.

His doctoral dissertation “focused on the interpersonal characteristics and structural conditions that facilitate teacher collaboration.”

Career in Education

Bronstein has spent more than 20 years in education.

According to a bio supplied by the district, Bronstein’s career began in the Washington Heights section of northern Manhattan. He taught a 3rd grade bilingual class and also coached high school football – “imparting valuable life lessons to his students both in the classroom and on the field.”

Bronstein was a teacher and a summer school director for the nonprofit organization Teach for America, his LinkedIn profile said.

Bronstein was a 3rd-grade teacher in the White Plains City School District from 2004-2005.

From 2007-2009, he was a summer high school principal for the Mamaroneck Union Free School District.

Bronstein was also a summer school director within the New York City public schools system.

He has also worked as a K-5 staff development coordinator, a 4th and 5th grade teacher, and a technology coach for the Pelham Public Schools. After he left in 2009, Bronstein became an assistant middle school principal for Ardsley Public Schools.

He remained with that district until 2015.

While at Ardsley, Bronstein designed a “student-centered school mission across stakeholder groups,” his bio said.

Forward in Excellence

“Dr. Bronstein’s journey through numerous educational roles has equipped him with a vast array of skills and insights. His experiences in teaching, coaching, administrative leadership, and academic research position him uniquely to address the evolving needs of students and educators alike. His focus on teacher collaboration and professional development underscores his belief in the power of collective effort to enhance student outcomes,” the board said in a statement released Monday, Feb. 24, on ParentSquare, a communication platform the district uses to share school news, events, and notifications with parents.

Welcoming Bronstein to the new role, the board predicted that “his extensive experience and passion for education will undoubtedly foster a thriving learning environment, igniting a passion in all learners.”