Editor’s Note: The Peekskill Herald’s “10 questions …”, column is for readers to know more about those who work in city government or education, own businesses, and support our city’s development. Today’s column features Jamal Lewis, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services for Peekskill City School District.
Tell us about your education background, where you grew up and went to school and eventually college and higher education.
I am a very proud Bronx native and everyone knows that! Following high school, I enrolled in Baruch College with the intention of pursuing a degree in finance and accounting. My ultimate goal, at a mere eighteen, was to be a tax lawyer. Interesting detail, I received my tax license from the IRS when I was seventeen and have been doing taxes ever since. As a double major, I only had six credits of electives and I enrolled in an introduction to education course. The course and the professor spoke to me. The next semester, much to my parents’ chagrin, I changed majors and began my journey as an educator. Within five years of teaching, I earned my Master’s degree in elementary education and five years after that, I earned my second Master’s degree in school leadership.
Tell us about your decision to become an educator — what inspired you, and when?
The decision to become an educator was rooted in that introduction to education course I took as a finance and accounting major. From that course, my passion for fostering positive change through education and that knowledge has the power to transform lives, I embarked on this journey with the ultimate aim of empowering individuals to reach their full potential. This calling was truly solidified when I witnessed the profound impact that dedicated educators had on my own growth and development. I wanted to impart knowledge, foster critical thinking skills, and instill a lifelong love of learning in students. This commitment to educational equity and empowerment fueled my decision to pursue a career in education. Education is transformative and has an immense impact in the lives of children and adults. By embodying the values of empathy, creativity, and dedication, I was able to empower a generation of independent critical thinkers and lifelong learners.
Do you think there should be a cell phone ban in the schools?
This is quite the hot topic, isn’t it? As I am no longer operating a school building, I will defer to my principal colleagues, the Commissioner of Education, and the Governor.
You recently became Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services. How and when did this change come about? What are some of the challenges in this job you’ve faced so far? What are some of the joys?
The transition from Middle School Principal to Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services marked a pivotal moment in my career trajectory. This shift occurred as a result of my proven leadership abilities in managing school personnel and fostering a positive organizational culture. Once the opportunity arose, my track record of effective communication, problem-solving, and collaborative skills positioned me as a strong candidate for the role.
Transitioning into the human resources domain presented a unique opportunity to test my adaptability and strategic thinking. This position requires mastering the intricate policies and procedures governing staff recruitment, retention, and evaluation. This involves ensuring legal compliance, labor relations, and best practices in overall management. Additionally, balancing the diverse needs and interests of employees, unions, and administrators. It requires diplomacy. At the end of the day, the role of Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services has brought me great fulfillment. One of the most enjoyable outcomes stems from the opportunity to shape the district’s human capital strategy, ensuring that we attract, develop, and retain top-tier passionate and caring educators and staff. Witnessing the positive impact of our recruitment efforts on school culture and student outcomes reaffirms my passion for fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
The Assistant Superintendent position inherently has fewer regular interactions with students than principal — How have you managed this transition? Do you miss the students? How do you find ways to engage and interact with students in this new position?
I knew this question would be presented to me. Transitioning from a principal role, where daily interactions with students, staff, and families are bountiful and central, to an Assistant Superintendent position can be an adjustment. I have the opportunity to advocate for students at a systemic level, ensuring that their needs are met through equitable resources and support. I will always miss the students, staff, and the wonderful energy of a school building. I am, of course, partial to the middle school experience. As a result of this longing to bask in the school building glow, I schedule regular visits to schools, attend assemblies and performances, support our athletics programs, and remain as visible as I can be and have access to students.
What are some of the ways Peekskill City School District recruits and retains staff?
The Peekskill City School District continues to recruit and retain staff by focusing on creating a supportive and engaging work environment. To achieve this, we conduct hiring events, participate in local job fairs, maintain professional relationships with sororities, fraternities, organizations, and collaborate with colleges and universities. We provide continuous learning and professional growth opportunities through workshops, conferences, and courses that can help teachers feel valued and invested in, leading to higher retention rates. Implementing mentorship programs for new teachers helps them acclimate to the district and provides ongoing support through experienced colleagues. Each school works diligently to ensure that we are fostering a collaborative and inclusive school culture that can improve staff morale and satisfaction, making the district more attractive to potential hires. The Peekskill City School District aims to create an environment conducive to both recruitment and retention of quality educators.
Several alumni are part of the PCSD staff. Why is hiring former students is important to the district?
Hiring alumni in the Peekskill City School District is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, former students possess a unique understanding of the district’s culture, values, and community dynamics, which can enhance their effectiveness as educators. They often have firsthand experience with the curriculum and can relate to current students on a personal level, fostering a supportive learning environment. Alumni serve as role models, demonstrating the potential for success that students can achieve. Their presence can inspire current students to pursue their goals, knowing that their teachers have walked in similar paths. Additionally, hiring from within the community strengthens ties between the school and families; it promotes a sense of belonging and investment in the educational process. Ultimately, hiring alumni builds a stronger, more connected Peekskill!
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing districts (small urban cities) such as Peekskill?
Peekskill, like other small urban cities, is often challenged and requires thoughtful and strategic solutions which Mayor Vivian McKensie and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. David Mauricio, continue to foster. The Peekskill City School District’s Board of Education, led by Mr. Michael Simpkins, works to ensure there’s targeted funding, equitable resource allocation, and programs aimed at sustained achievement. There is advocacy for increased state and federal funding, grant-seeking opportunities, and partnerships with local businesses. Investing in professional development, offering competitive salaries, and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment is key for optimal student outcomes and sustainability. Peekskill works diligently to address the aforementioned that require a collaborative, innovative, and community-focused approach. Peekskill thrives by leveraging its unique strengths and working to reach new heights.
Where is your favorite place to go in Peekskill, and why?
It is difficult to narrow this wonderful city to just one location. Instead, I will speak about two really enjoyable places. The first is the Riverfront Green Park. It is such a picturesque park alongside the Hudson River. The views are stunning, great walking paths, ample space for eating outdoors, and it’s perfect for enjoying sunsets. The Paramount Hudson Valley Theater brings history and Peekskill’s culture to life. It hosts concerts, plays, and our middle school graduation ceremony.
What would you like to say to the Peekskill community?
What can I say about the Peekskill community? It welcomed me with open arms in 2014 and has continued to envelop me. It is blended with rich history, cultural diversity, and a strong sense of togetherness. The Peekskill community is truly remarkable. It’s artistic and culturally vibrant, diverse and inclusive, supportive and engaged, committed to education, and resilient.
Prior to his current position as Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, Jamal Lewis was Principal at Peekskill Middle School.
