Former NYPD officer, longtime educator is New Paltz school district's next superintendent

A former New York City police officer and SUNY New Paltz graduate was named New Paltz Central School District's next superintendent.

Angela Urbina-Medina, a Port Jervis resident, was selected after a five-month search conducted by the New York State Leadership Group. There were 40 applicants, eight of whom were from out of state, from as far as Arizona, Florida and Texas, the district said in a press release. 

Urbina-Medina will succeed Maria C. Rice as superintendent, with a contract that runs until 2024. The appointment begins July 1. Rice retired in December while Bernard Josefsberg is serving as interim superintendent until June 30.

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"Creating initiatives that can be life-changing for students puts the steam in my engine," Urbina-Medina said in a statement. 

The district's Board of Education approved Urbina-Medina to the role on Wednesday, at an annual salary of $197,000.  Michael O’Donnell, NPCSD Board of Education, president said the board is excited about her appointment. 

"She is a proven equity-centered leader and informed decision maker with a strong background in curriculum," O’Donnell said. "We believe her calm, clear and concise communication style will resonate with the full spectrum of students, parents, faculty, staff and community members to foster a positive school culture."

For six years, the district said, Urbina-Medina was an NYPD officer in the 40th precinct of the Bronx. She was assigned to visit classrooms to teach students about being in control of their bodies and "appropriate physical contact." 

"I consider being a woman in uniform, at a time when there were so few, as one of my most significant accomplishments," she said. "This experience expanded my view of the world and the challenges we face as a society."

in 1991, Urbina-Medina said she wanted to start a family and left her job as a police officer. She transitioned to the classroom and holds over 20 years of experience as an educator.  

She has a Bachelor of Arts in History from Lehman College, a Master of Science in education, a certificate of advanced study in educational administration from SUNY New Paltz, and state Department of Education certifications for K-6 teaching, district administration and school administration and supervision.

She is leaving the Ellenville Central School district after serving two years as the deputy superintendent, three years as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction and five years as the district's middle school principal. 

Additionally, Urbina-Medina was an assistant principal at Haviland Middle School in Hyde Park and at Warwick Valley Middle School. Prior to these leadership roles, she was a classroom teacher for a decade at Monhagen Middle School in Middletown. 

"I know what it is like to be a classroom teacher, and the perspective is valuable," she said. "My wife is also a teacher, so I am still deeply connected to the day-to-day."

She said her first priority is to establish stability to prepare for the reopening of schools amid the state's closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The district said a plan to introduce her to faculty, staff, students and parents is underway. 

"The district’s vision and mission align with my own beliefs of what education is supposed to be," she said. "The district’s position on equity and inclusivity aligns with my philosophy for creating a district where there is a strong sense of belonging. New Paltz is very upfront about what they believe."

Ryan Santistevan: rsantistev@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4809; Twitter: @NewsByRyan_.